DEVIATIONS FROM MATTHIESSENS-RULE IN CONTINUOUS METAL-FILMS

The thermoelectric power of continuous metal films, calculated with th e Boltzmann transport equation for various conductivity models, are co mpared with Matthiessen's rule predictions. The three most frequently employed models have been examined: the Fuchs-Sondheimer model, which considers electron surface scattering; the Mayadas-Shatzkes model, whi ch takes into account grain-boundary electron scattering and the total film conductivity model, which accounts for both scattering mechanism s. Theoretical calculations have shown that, whereas deviations appear for external surface scattering, grain-boundary scattering is consist ent with the rule. When both scattering mechanisms are modelled concur rently, deviation due to grain-boundary effects appears and can be att ributed to the interaction of the two scattering mechanisms.