Tantalum and Niobium Based Capacitors

This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the science, technology, and applications of Tantalum and Niobium-based capacitors. The author discusses fundamentals, focusing on thermodynamic stability, major degradation processes and conduction mechanisms in the basic structure of Me-Me2O5-cathode (Me: Ta, Nb). Technology-related coverage includes chapters technology chapters on the major manufacturing steps from capacitor grade powder to the testing of finished capacitors. Applications discussed include high reliability, high charge and energy efficiency, high working voltages, high temperatures, etc. The links between the scientific foundation, breakthrough technologies and outstanding performance and reliability of the capacitors are demonstrated. The theoretical models discussed include the thermodynamics of the amorphous dielectrics, conduction mechanisms in metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) structures, band diagrams of the organic semiconductors, etc.