Preexponential factor in variable-range hopping conduction in CuInTe 2

Abstract

We study the temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity in a single crystal of p-type uncompensated CuInTe 2 on the insulating side of the metal–insulator transition down to 0.4 K. We observe a crossover from Mott to Efros–Shklovskii variable-range hopping conduction. In Efros–Shklovskii-type conduction, the resistivity is best described by explicitly including a preexponential temperature dependence according to the general expression ρ= ρ 0 T α exp( T ES/ T) 1/2, with α≠0. A theory based on the resistor network model was developed to derive an explicit relation between α and the decay of the wavefunction of the localized states. A consistent correspondence between the asymptotic extension of the wavefunction and the conduction regime is proposed. The results indicate a new mechanism for a local resistivity maximum in insulators, not involving magnetic effects.