Nonlinear current-voltage characteristic of a metallic film
Kaner E. A. , Makarov H. M. , Snapiro I. B. , Yampol'skii V. A.
A new phenomenon is predicted: the existence of a nonlinear current-voltage characteristic (IVC) of a thin metallic specimen at low temperatures. The nonlinearity is linked with the effect of the intrinsic magnetic field of the current / on the dynamics of conduction electrons. This magnetodynamic mechanism is now the only known mechanism of nonlinearity in metals that is not related to overheating. In the classical limit the voltage drop across the specimen is proportional to I112. Quantization of electronic trajectories leads to oscillations of the IVC and a negative differential resistance. Numerical estimates demonstrate that the predicted effects can be observed experimentally.