Theory of Rectification of an Insulating Layer

Abstract

The problem treated is the rectification by a blocking layer of low inherent conductivity. The potential distribution is determined by the space charge due to free, current-carrying charge instead of by that due to fixed charge. The difference between this case and that treated by previous theories is pointed out. The theory is applied to copper oxide rectifiers. The result is found to agree with experimental results better than the previous theories. The applicability of the theory to other cases is also discussed.