The non-linear behavior of I-V characteristics at the nanoscale can be attributed to several factors:
Quantum Mechanical Effects: At the nanoscale, electrons exhibit wave-like properties, leading to phenomena like quantum tunneling and quantum interference. These effects can cause deviations from the linear I-V relationship. Coulomb Blockade: In single-electron transistors and similar devices, the Coulomb blockade effect can result in highly non-linear I-V characteristics. This occurs due to the energy required to add an additional electron to a small conducting island. Localized States: The presence of localized electronic states in nanostructures can trap electrons, leading to non-linearities in the I-V curve.
