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Edge-Terminated AlGaN/GaN/AlGaN Multi-Quantum Well Impact Avalanche Transit Time Sources for Terahertz Wave Generation

Authors :
Monisha Ghosh
Shilpi Bhattacharya Deb
Aritra Acharyya
Arindam Biswas
Hiroshi Inokawa
Hiroaki Satoh
Amit Banerjee
Alexey Y. Seteikin
Ilia G. Samusev
Source :
Nanomaterials, Vol 14, Iss 10, p 873 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

In our pursuit of high-power terahertz (THz) wave generation, we propose innovative edge-terminated single-drift region (SDR) multi-quantum well (MQW) impact avalanche transit time (IMPATT) structures based on the AlxGa1−xN/GaN/AlxGa1−xN material system, with a fixed aluminum mole fraction of x = 0.3. Two distinct MQW diode configurations, namely p+-n junction-based and Schottky barrier diode structures, were investigated for their THz potential. To enhance reverse breakdown characteristics, we propose employing mesa etching and nitrogen ion implantation for edge termination, mitigating issues related to premature and soft breakdown. The THz performance is comprehensively evaluated through steady-state and high-frequency characterizations using a self-consistent quantum drift-diffusion (SCQDD) model. Our proposed Al0.3Ga0.7N/GaN/Al0.3Ga0.7N MQW diodes, as well as GaN-based single-drift region (SDR) and 3C-SiC/Si/3C-SiC MQW-based double-drift region (DDR) IMPATT diodes, are simulated. The Schottky barrier in the proposed diodes significantly reduces device series resistance, enhancing peak continuous wave power output to approximately 300 mW and DC to THz conversion efficiency to nearly 13% at 1.0 THz. Noise performance analysis reveals that MQW structures within the avalanche zone mitigate noise and improve overall performance. Benchmarking against state-of-the-art THz sources establishes the superiority of our proposed THz sources, highlighting their potential for advancing THz technology and its applications.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20794991
Volume :
14
Issue :
10
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Nanomaterials
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.7763978b33e4a4a9c9198e9a94f8d99
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14100873