2-12. Difference Depending on Metal of Schottky Barrier Diodes (SBDs)

In the case of the SBD, the semiconductor consists of n-type layers, and so the metal acts as the anode of the diode. Likewise, only electrons are carriers, and the SBD becomes a unipolar element just like a MOSFET.
The energy level of silicon differs from metal (energy gap). This energy level differs depending on the metal element. Φ_B is the symbol for this difference. Pt (platinum) is a metal with a large energy gap. V (vanadium) or Ti (titanium) are metals with small energy gaps. Adopting a metal with a large ΦB makes leakage current small, but makes forward voltage V_F big. For metals with small Φ_B, the opposite tendency are obtained.