Origin of yield problems of single electron devices based on evaporated granular films

An evaporated nanometer scale granular film provides a simple system for st udying Coulomb blockade effects. This technique has often been used during the last few decades. However with respect to potential devices, specific p roblems continue to obstruct broader application. It is virtually impossibl e to observe Coulomb blockade in one-dimensional structures, and even for w ide two-dimensional systems the yield is frustratingly low. We study these problems using a comprehensive theoretical framework that enables us to mod el both the growth aspects, and the electrical characteristics. In particul ar, we study how the morphology of the islands influences their electrical properties. Explanations for the observed behavior are put forward. (C) 199 9 American Institute of Physics. [S0003- 6951(99)02137-3].