Quantum-size effects in n-type bismuth thin films

Oscillatory thickness dependences of the electrical conductivity, Hall coefficient, charge carrier mobility, and Seebeck coefficient were obtained at room temperature for n-type thin Bi films (d=3-300 nm) fabricated by the thermal evaporation of a bismuth crystal in a vacuum and deposition on mica substrates at 380 K. We attribute this oscillatory behavior to quantum-size effects, which are observable when the electron mean-free path and Fermi wave length exceed the film thickness d. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.