Transparent conductive films based on quantum tunneling.

Abstract

We theoretically propose an approach for designing transparent conductive films based on quantum tunneling effects. These films are constructed from insulator and metallic materials overlapped with one another. To approach the quantum tunneling regime and improve the conductivity, the thicknesses of the insulator layers should be 1 nanometer or less. The optical properties (transmittance, reflectance and admittance) are studied in detail. However, the quantum tunneling effect would have an impact on the imaginary part of the permittivity of the insulator material. Therefore, the influence of the incoming quantum tunneling effect on the transparency is also analyzed by a quantum-corrected model. Finally, we have also studied the conductivity of the films.