The charge state of conducting fine-dispersed systems in an insulating matrix

The influence of fluctuations in the number of Fermi particles on the charg e state of fine-dispersed metallic grains in an insulating matrix is invest igated. It is suggested that the system of grains does not form a tunnel me dium and that charge transfer between metallic elements of the composite oc curs due to thermal excitations of electrons over barriers. As follows from a calculation of the grand partition function, the average charge of the i th grain is a nonlinear function of the potential V-i of the conductor. (C) 2001 MAIK "Nauka/Interperiodica".