journal article·2025-04-01Open access

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

Bang-zhi Xiao, Yin-shui He, Wen-bo Xiao

AIP Advances· Volume 15· Issue 4

Abstract

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.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: GaN-based semiconductor devices and materials · Ga2O3 and related materials · ZnO doping and properties

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

School of Advanced Manufacturing, Nanchang University 1 , 999 Xuefu Avenue, Nanchang 330031,

School of Resources Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Nanchang University 2 , 999 Xuefu Avenue, Nanchang 330031,

Nanchang Hangkong University 3 , Nanchang 330063,

Funding

Open Fund of Key Laboratory of Nondestructive Testing

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