Pronunciation: [skˈɒtki] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "Schottky" may seem unfamiliar, but it is actually named after physicist Walter H. Schottky. It is pronounced as /ʃɒt.ki/ and the IPA phonetic transcription can explain how to pronounce it. The first sound /ʃ/ is like the "sh" sound in "shoe", followed by the vowel sound /ɒ/ which is like the "o" in "hot". The next sound /t/ is a sharp "t" sound, and the final sound /ki/ is like "key" without the "e" sound.
Schottky, originally referring to the Schottky barrier or Schottky diode, is an electronic term with multiple applications and meanings, mainly related to semiconductors. The term was named after German physicist Walter H. Schottky, who made significant contributions to the field of solid-state physics.
In its most common usage, Schottky refers to a Schottky barrier, which is a type of junction formed between a metal and a semiconductor. It relies on an electrical phenomenon known as the Schottky effect, where the flow of electrons across the junction occurs with minimal resistance. This effect is due to the lowered energy barrier for electrons at the metal-semiconductor interface compared to a typical metal-semiconductor junction.
Schottky diodes, also known as Schottky barrier diodes, are electronic components that take advantage of the Schottky effect. These diodes exhibit fast switching characteristics and have a low forward voltage drop, ideal for various applications such as power rectification, voltage clamping, and switching circuits.
Apart from Schottky barriers and diodes, the term Schottky can also refer to other related concepts, such as the Schottky transistor, Schottky noise, and Schottky contact. Each of these applications and devices involves the use of Schottky barriers in different ways to achieve specific electronic properties and functions.
In summary, the term "schottky" typically refers to Schottky barriers, Schottky diodes, or other related electronic components and phenomena that exploit the unique characteristics of these barriers. These devices are widely used in various electronic systems, contributing to their efficiency and performance.
The word "Schottky" is derived from the name of the German physicist Walter H. Schottky. Walter Schottky was born in Switzerland in 1886 and later became a prominent figure in the field of solid-state physics. In the early 20th century, he made important contributions to the understanding of various phenomena, including the formation of barriers in metal-semiconductor interfaces. These phenomena are now commonly known as "Schottky barriers" or "Schottky diodes", named after Walter Schottky due to his pioneering work in this area. Over time, the term "Schottky" has been adopted as a scientific term and is widely used in various contexts in physics and engineering.
