Influence of AlxGa1−xN barrier layer thickness and p-GaN gate characteristics on the threshold voltage of p-GaN/AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors

In this research work, the pivotal role of threshold voltage (Vth) in the performance optimization of enhancement-mode (E-mode) AlGaN/GaN-based high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) is explored. We report the development of an E-mode AlGaN/GaN HEMT through the strategic design of the AlxGa1−xN...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Bang-zhi Xiao, Yin-shui He, Wen-bo Xiao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: AIP Publishing LLC 2025-04-01
Series:AIP Advances
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/5.0250125
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1850281636638228480
author Bang-zhi Xiao
Yin-shui He
Wen-bo Xiao
author_facet Bang-zhi Xiao
Yin-shui He
Wen-bo Xiao
author_sort Bang-zhi Xiao
collection DOAJ
description In this research work, the pivotal role of threshold voltage (Vth) in the performance optimization of enhancement-mode (E-mode) AlGaN/GaN-based high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) is explored. We report the development of an E-mode AlGaN/GaN HEMT through the strategic design of the AlxGa1−xN barrier layer and p-type GaN gate. The modulation of Vth is demonstrated to be highly responsive to variations in the thickness and aluminum mole fraction of the AlxGa1−xN barrier layer, with a decrease in these parameters correlating with an increase in Vth. Moreover, we have established that augmenting the thickness and doping concentration of the p-GaN layer can lead to a further enhancement of Vth. However, this improvement is counterbalanced by a reduction in transconductance. Consequently, we propose an optimized p-GaN/AlGaN/GaN HEMT design, which exhibits a Vth of up to +1.96 V and a peak transconductance of 282 mS/mm. Our findings elucidate the intricate relationship between the barrier and gate layers and their influence on HEMT device performance, providing a foundation for the design of high-performance E-mode AlGaN/GaN HEMTs.
format Article
id doaj-art-7cdfc083d7384bd795afe1d602ac13a6
institution OA Journals
issn 2158-3226
language English
publishDate 2025-04-01
publisher AIP Publishing LLC
record_format Article
series AIP Advances
spelling doaj-art-7cdfc083d7384bd795afe1d602ac13a62025-08-20T01:48:13ZengAIP Publishing LLCAIP Advances2158-32262025-04-01154045235045235-810.1063/5.0250125Influence of AlxGa1−xN barrier layer thickness and p-GaN gate characteristics on the threshold voltage of p-GaN/AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistorsBang-zhi Xiao0Yin-shui He1Wen-bo Xiao2School of Advanced Manufacturing, Nanchang University, 999 Xuefu Avenue, Nanchang 330031, People’s Republic of ChinaSchool of Resources Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Nanchang University, 999 Xuefu Avenue, Nanchang 330031, People’s Republic of ChinaNanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, People’s Republic of ChinaIn this research work, the pivotal role of threshold voltage (Vth) in the performance optimization of enhancement-mode (E-mode) AlGaN/GaN-based high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) is explored. We report the development of an E-mode AlGaN/GaN HEMT through the strategic design of the AlxGa1−xN barrier layer and p-type GaN gate. The modulation of Vth is demonstrated to be highly responsive to variations in the thickness and aluminum mole fraction of the AlxGa1−xN barrier layer, with a decrease in these parameters correlating with an increase in Vth. Moreover, we have established that augmenting the thickness and doping concentration of the p-GaN layer can lead to a further enhancement of Vth. However, this improvement is counterbalanced by a reduction in transconductance. Consequently, we propose an optimized p-GaN/AlGaN/GaN HEMT design, which exhibits a Vth of up to +1.96 V and a peak transconductance of 282 mS/mm. Our findings elucidate the intricate relationship between the barrier and gate layers and their influence on HEMT device performance, providing a foundation for the design of high-performance E-mode AlGaN/GaN HEMTs.http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/5.0250125
spellingShingle Bang-zhi Xiao
Yin-shui He
Wen-bo Xiao
Influence of AlxGa1−xN barrier layer thickness and p-GaN gate characteristics on the threshold voltage of p-GaN/AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors
AIP Advances
title Influence of AlxGa1−xN barrier layer thickness and p-GaN gate characteristics on the threshold voltage of p-GaN/AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors
title_full Influence of AlxGa1−xN barrier layer thickness and p-GaN gate characteristics on the threshold voltage of p-GaN/AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors
title_fullStr Influence of AlxGa1−xN barrier layer thickness and p-GaN gate characteristics on the threshold voltage of p-GaN/AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors
title_full_unstemmed Influence of AlxGa1−xN barrier layer thickness and p-GaN gate characteristics on the threshold voltage of p-GaN/AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors
title_short Influence of AlxGa1−xN barrier layer thickness and p-GaN gate characteristics on the threshold voltage of p-GaN/AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors
title_sort influence of alxga1 xn barrier layer thickness and p gan gate characteristics on the threshold voltage of p gan algan gan high electron mobility transistors
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/5.0250125
work_keys_str_mv AT bangzhixiao influenceofalxga1xnbarrierlayerthicknessandpgangatecharacteristicsonthethresholdvoltageofpganalganganhighelectronmobilitytransistors
AT yinshuihe influenceofalxga1xnbarrierlayerthicknessandpgangatecharacteristicsonthethresholdvoltageofpganalganganhighelectronmobilitytransistors
AT wenboxiao influenceofalxga1xnbarrierlayerthicknessandpgangatecharacteristicsonthethresholdvoltageofpganalganganhighelectronmobilitytransistors