Nonlinear size effects of hot electrons in semiconductor thin films

Abstract

Theory of nonlinear heat size effects is developed in semiconductor films in the presence of external d.c. electric field. It is supposed that this field is applied along the film surfaces. The electron temperature is introduced, and it is shown that it depends on the electric field and the film thickness. The main equations are obtained for calculation this temperature, and analysis is done for the case of the weak electron heating. The characteristic length of the problem is discussed. It is the electron cooling length measured on submicron scale. It is shown that the heat size effects arise in the case when this length is comparable or less of the film thickness.