Biasing Circuitry for Tunnel Junctions

Abstract

A method of generating bias has been developed which greatly facilitates studying the voltage‐current characteristics of tunnel junctions. A triangle wave to sweep the bias, a dc level for offset, and a small amplitude sine wave used for taking derivatives are all summed in a dc amplifier. The junction is biased by the attenuated output of this amplifier with either a high or low impedance load line. The two transistor circuits which largely comprise this bias supply are compact and battery powered, minimizing grounding problems.