The Copper Oxide Rectifier

Abstract

The equilibrium diagram of the copper: copper oxide: oxygen system controls the conditions of formation of the cuprous oxide rectifier. The interface between the cuprous oxide and the copper from which it is formed can be studied with polarized light. Intimate contact exists for more than half the total area. The technique of preparing the rectifier has a marked influence on its characteristics. By using a method of measuring the resistance characteristic which did not cause an error due to current heating at the interface, unusual results were obtained from specimens made under various conditions. Measurement of the thermal conductance of the rectifier disclosed a new physical phenomenon, asymmetrical thermal conductance. This asymmetry is in the direction that would be expected from the electron theory of heat conduction.