Quantum simulation of ZnO nanowire piezotronics

• Quantum scattering theory is used in simulation of the ZnO nanowire piezotronics.
• Results show that the threshold voltage is linearly proportional to the mechanical strain.
• The electrical current fluctuation is observed due to the tunneling resonance.

We address the problem of quantum transport in a nanometre sized two-terminal ZnO device subject to an external strain. The two junctions formed between the electrodes and the ZnO are generally taken as Ohmic and Schottky type, respectively. Unlike the conventional treatment to the piezopotential, we treat it as a potential barrier which is only induced at the interfaces. By calculating the transmission coefficient of a Fermi-energized electron that flows from one end to the other, it is found that the piezopotential has the effect of modulating the voltage threshold of the current flowing. The calculations are based on the quantum scattering theory. The work is believed to pave the way for investigating the quantum piezotronics.

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