Symmetrical field effect and slow electron relaxation in granular aluminium

TL;DR

This paper reports on symmetrical field effects and slow conductance relaxations in granular aluminium films, indicating glassy electron behavior similar to that in indium oxide, suggesting a general phenomenon in disordered insulators.

Contribution

It demonstrates glassy electron behaviors in granular aluminium films, expanding understanding of electron glass phenomena in disordered materials.

Findings

Symmetrical field effect observed in granular aluminium.

Very slow conductance relaxations detected.

Behaviors are similar to those in indium oxide films.

Abstract

Conductivity and field effect measurements in thin insulating Al granular films are reported. The occurrence of a symmetrical field effect and of very slow conductance relaxations is demonstrated. They are identical to the electron glassy behaviours already reported in insulating indium oxide thin films. The results suggest that the phenomena are quite general. The study of structurally discontinuous samples should help to understand the origin and mechanism of the glassy behaviour.