Steps on current-voltage characteristics of a silicon quantum dot covered by natural oxide
S. V. Vyshenski, U. Zeitler*, and R. J. Haug*
Nuclear Physics Institute, Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia
*Institut für Festkörperphysik, Universität Hannover, D-30167 Hannover, Germany
PACS: 73.23.Ps, 73.23.Hk
Abstract
Considering a double-barrier structure formed by a silicon quantum
dot covered by natural oxide with two metallic terminals, we derive simple
conditions for a step-like voltage-current curve. Due to standard chemical
properties, doping phosphorus atoms located in a certain domain of the dot
form geometrically parallel current channels. The height of the current
step typically
equals to (1.2 pA)N, where N=0,1,2,3... is the number
of doping atoms inside the domain, and only negligibly depends on the actual
position of the dopants. The found conditions are feasible in
experimentally available structures.