Tuning electronic transport of ZnO micro/nanowires by a transverse electric field

Electronic transport of individual ZnO micro/nanowires was tuned by applying a transverse electric field, and the diameter effect on carrier mobility in that process was measured. Surface charges induced by the external field modulate longitudinal electronic transport in wires and a minimum conductivity was obtained in the negative electric field. Electron mobility deduced from conductivity versus surface-charge was in agreement with the value obtained from the current-voltage characteristics. Moreover, electron mobility of the wire decreases as its diameter increases in a constant transverse electric field, which was not observed without the transverse electric field. We also discuss the possible mechanisms. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3616141]