A bias voltage across a tunnel gap refers to the electrical potential difference applied between two electrodes separated by a small distance, also known as a tunnel gap. This voltage is used to control the flow of electrons through the tunnel gap and can affect the behavior and properties of the materials within the gap.
A bias voltage can be applied across a tunnel gap using a power supply or voltage source connected to the two electrodes. The voltage can be adjusted to control the flow of electrons through the tunnel gap and can range from a few millivolts to several volts depending on the specific experiment or application.
The purpose of applying a bias voltage across a tunnel gap is to control the flow of electrons through the gap and study the properties and behavior of the materials within the gap. This voltage can affect the tunneling current, which can provide valuable information about the electronic structure and properties of the materials in the gap.
The bias voltage applied across a tunnel gap can affect the tunneling current in several ways. As the voltage increases, the tunneling current typically increases exponentially due to the increase in the number of electrons that can overcome the tunnel barrier. Additionally, the voltage can also affect the energy distribution and direction of the tunneling electrons, which can impact the overall tunneling current.
The bias voltage across a tunnel gap can be influenced by several factors, including the distance between the two electrodes, the materials and properties of the electrodes and the gap, and the temperature. Additionally, the type and strength of the voltage source used can also play a role in determining the bias voltage. It is important to carefully consider and control these factors in order to accurately study and understand the behavior of the tunnel gap.