Primary thermometry with nanoscale tunnel junctions

Journal Article · Sun Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1995 · Journal of Low Temperature Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00754557· OSTI ID:198153

Hirvi, K P; Kauppinen, J P; Paalanen, M A; Pekola, J P ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Jyvaskyla (Finland)

We have found current-voltage (I-V) and conductance (dI/dV) characteristics of arrays of nanoscale tunnel junctions between normal metal electrodes to exhibit suitable features for primary thermometry. The current through a uniform array depends on the ratio of the thermal energy k{sub B}T and the electrostatic charging energy E{sub c} of the islands between the junctions and is completely blocked by Coulomb repulsion at T=0 and at small voltages eV/2 {<=} Ec. In the opposite limit, k{sub B}T {much_gt} E{sub c}, the width of the conductance minimum scales linearly and universally with T and N, the number of tunnel junctions, and qualifies as a primary thermometer. The zero bias drop in the conductance is proportional to T{sup -1} and can be used as a secondary thermometer. We will show with Monte Carlo simulations how background charge and nonuniformities of the array will affect the thermometer.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 198153
• Report Number(s): CONF-950676-; ISSN 0022-2291; TRN: 96:000731-0002
• Journal Information: Journal of Low Temperature Physics, Vol. 101, Issue 1-2; Conference: Symposium on quantum fluids and solids, Ithaca, NY (United States), 12-17 Jun 1995; Other Information: PBD: Oct 1995
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

44 INSTRUMENTATION
INCLUDING NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE DETECTORS
THERMOMETERS
DESIGN
JUNCTIONS
TUNNEL EFFECT
ELECTRODES