Abstract
The current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of KNO3 single-crystal thin layers of thickness range 35 to 145μm have been studied and the critical voltageV c and breakdown voltageV b determined. The results are interpreted taking into account Joule heating. Experimental evidence for the existence of Joule heating in KNO3 thin layers has been found. A semi-theoretical approach to the data involving a law of cooling has enabled the activation energy associated with the current increase to be estimated and found to beφ = 0.05 eV. The effect of externally heating the layer indicates a change in the layer current atT c = 130° C. This suggests phase changes in KNO3 thin layers, and this is strongly supported by differential thermal analysis. It is therefore concluded that theI-V characteristics of KNO3 thin layers are strongly influenced by Joule heating which causes changes in the KNO3 phase. A discussion is given on which type and mechanism of electrical breakdown is present in thin layers.
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El-Kabbany, F., Badawy, W., Tahr, N.H. et al. Joule heating and breakdown effects in KNO3 thin layers. J Mater Sci 23, 583–587 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01174689
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01174689