Van der pauw resistance question

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In summary, the Van der Pauw method for measuring sheet resistance is more effective than the 2 terminal method because it eliminates contact resistance issues and allows for the computation of an effective 1D sheet resistance without the artifacts of an actual 1D sheet. This is particularly useful for studying the Hall effect in materials with non-uniform carrier density.
  • #1
iamlovelyboy
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All,
Why is it that Van der pauw resistance eliminates contact resistance issues when measuring sheet resistance using this method when compared to the 2 terminal msmt?
can someone please enlighten me?
Thank you

Lovelyboy
UC Irvine grad student.
 
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  • #3
Hi...
i did go through this...but it doesn't answer my question... if you know the answer can you please help me?
 
  • #4
I'm not real strong on this, so it may not be entirely correct.

The 2D sheet can be thought of as an array of resistors.
Using 2 contacts you just get the resistance of the entire array.
With the four contacts you can compute the resistance of an effective 1D sheet, without the artifacts that an actual 1D sheet might introduce.
Not particularly important unless you want to work with the Hall effect where the carrier density across the sheet is not going to be a constant.
 

Related to Van der pauw resistance question

1. What is the Van der Pauw resistance measurement technique?

The Van der Pauw resistance measurement technique is a method used to measure the resistivity of a material. It involves passing a small current through the material and measuring the voltage drop across four equally spaced points on the material's surface. By mathematically analyzing the measured voltages, the resistivity of the material can be calculated.

2. How accurate is the Van der Pauw resistance measurement technique?

The Van der Pauw resistance measurement technique is considered to be a highly accurate method for measuring resistivity. Its accuracy depends on the precision of the measurement equipment and the uniformity of the material being tested. With proper calibration and careful measurements, the technique can achieve accuracies within 0.1%.

3. What types of materials can be tested using the Van der Pauw resistance measurement technique?

The Van der Pauw resistance measurement technique can be used to test a wide range of materials, including metals, semiconductors, and insulators. It is particularly useful for measuring the resistivity of thin films, as it does not require the material to be in a specific shape or size.

4. How does the Van der Pauw resistance measurement technique compare to other methods of measuring resistivity?

The Van der Pauw resistance measurement technique is a more versatile and accurate method compared to other techniques, such as four-point probe or two-point probe measurements. It is also less affected by contact resistance and surface imperfections, making it a preferred method for measuring resistivity in materials with these characteristics.

5. Can the Van der Pauw resistance measurement technique be used for non-uniform materials?

While the Van der Pauw resistance measurement technique is most accurate for uniform materials, it can also be used for non-uniform materials. However, in these cases, special considerations and calculations may be necessary to obtain accurate results. It is recommended to consult with an expert in the field for guidance when using this technique for non-uniform materials.

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