Zero Bias Resistance Anomalies in Magnesium Tunnel Junctions

A study of Mg–MgO–Mg tunnel junctions was made with and without Mg particles embedded in the MgO. Zero bias anomalies only occurred when Mg particles were present in the tunnelling barrier.Calculations of the width and the temperature dependence of a zero bias anomaly were made using the Giaever–Zeller model. There is some agreement between the theoretical and experimental values of the width of the anomaly. However, the experimental measurement of the temperature dependence does not agree with the theory.