Johnsen-Rahbek Effect with an Electronic Semi-Conductor

Abstract

The force of attraction which appears when a potential difference is applied between a piece of metal and a piece of semi-conductor, having accurately plane surfaces in contact with one another, has been investigated. Using an electronic semi-conductor the effect does not require the presence of moisture as Johnsen and Rahbek's experiment did. The force is very roughly proportional to the square of the applied potential.