Development of AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) on diamond substrates
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Authors
Newham, Wesley Scott.
Subjects
Advisors
Weatherford, Todd R.
Date of Issue
2006-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Silicon based semiconductor devices are rapidly approaching the theoretical limit of operation and are becoming unsuitable for future military requirements. The scope of semiconductor devices has been expanded by wide bandgap devices such as gallium nitride (GaN) to include the possibility for high power and high frequency operation. A new generation of high speed รข high frequency devices is required to meet current and future military needs. The Gallium Nitride High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT) is showing great promise as the enabling technology in the development of military radar systems, electronic surveillance systems, communications systems and high voltage power systems. Typically, sapphire or silicon carbide is utilized as the substrate material in most HEMT designs. This thesis explores the possibility of utilizing a diamond substrate to increase the power handling capability of the AlGaN/GaN HEMT. Diamond offers increased thermal property parameters that can be simulated in the commercially available Silvaco software package. A complete electrical and thermal analysis of the model was conducted and compared to actual device characteristics. The results of the software simulation and measurements on the test devices indicate diamond substrates will enable the HEMT to be operated at a higher power than traditional sapphire substrate HEMTS.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
xvi, 57 p. ;
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.