Carbon-nanoslit model for the electroforming process in M-I-M structures†

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Abstract
The conductivity of metal-insulator-metal (M-I-M) devices can increase over several orders of magnitude under a bias voltage in a rough or high vacuum. This process, called ‘electroforming’, is not yet quite understood. A new model is presented using adsorption of hydrocarbon, self-heating and graphitizing of this material. Finally there should be two good conducting carbon-layers, acting as electrodes for a newly grown ‘nanoslit’. The observed typical electrical properties of the devices as well as their luminescence and electron emission can now be interpreted by tunnelling of electrons.