Ambipolar nano-crystalline-silicon TFTs with submicron dimensions and reduced threshold voltage shift

Abstract

Hydrogenated nano-crystalline-silicon (nc-Si) thin-film transistors (TFTs) are primary candidates for use in neuromorphic circuits and systems [1]. Such devices can be fabricated at low temperatures and over large areas, allowing cheap processing and three-dimensional integration with CMOS structures. The major drawbacks of nc-Si TFTs include low carrier mobility, threshold voltage (VT) shift under bias stress and lack of p-channel operation due to unintentional n-type doping by oxygen impurity present in the nc-Si layer [2]. We have fabricated nc-Si TFTs that minimize all the above drawbacks, and are thus well suited for use in neuromorphic applications.