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Published on: February 1, 2022
Gigahertz Cutoff Frequencies and High Gain in Graphene-Based Hot-Electron Transistor Enabled by Material Engineering
Carsten Strobel1, André Heinzig1, Andre Hiess1
1Institute of Semiconductors and Microsystems, Chair of Nanoelectronics, Technische Universität Dresden, Nöthnitzer Straße 64, 01187 Dresden, Germany.
Graphene-based hot-electron transistors (GHETs) show promise for high-frequency applications. Optimized emitter-base junctions significantly enhance performance, achieving record current gain and output current for advanced nanoelectronics.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanoelectronics
- Solid-State Physics
Background:
- Graphene (Gr)-based hot-electron transistors (GHETs) are explored for high-frequency applications due to graphene's unique properties.
- Previous GHETs faced limitations in charge transport efficiency and scattering losses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present GHETs with optimized emitter-base (E/B) composition for improved DC characteristics and gigahertz operation.
- To investigate the impact of E/B composition on hot electron injection, charge transport, and device performance.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of GHETs utilizing optimized E/B junctions, including SiO2/Gr and MoS2/Gr structures.
- Characterization of DC device parameters, common-emitter current gain (beta), maximum output current, and cutoff frequencies.
Main Results:
- A record common-emitter current gain (beta) of 42 was achieved with a SiO2/Gr E/B structure.
- A MoS2/Gr E/B junction resulted in a record output current of approximately 2000 A/cm2.
- Non-optimized SiO2/Gr devices demonstrated cutoff frequencies approaching 1 GHz.
Conclusions:
- Optimized E/B composition in GHETs significantly enhances hot electron injection and charge transport.
- The achieved performance metrics represent substantial improvements, positioning GHETs as highly promising for future high-speed nanoelectronic devices.
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