Eur. Phys. J. B 32, 275-278 (2003)
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjb/e2003-00097-3

Symmetrical field effect and slow electron relaxation in granular aluminium

LEPES-CNRS, BP 166, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France

Corresponding author: ^a thierry.grenet@grenoble.cnrs.fr

Received: 4 December 2002
Revised: 26 February 2003
Published online: 11 April 2003

Abstract

Conductivity and field effect measurements in thin insulating Al granular films are reported. The occurrence of a symmetrical field effect and of very slow conductance relaxations is demonstrated. They are identical to the electron glassy behaviours already reported in insulating indium oxide thin films. The results suggest that the phenomena are quite general. The study of structurally discontinuous samples should help to understand the origin and mechanism of the glassy behaviour.