Extremely low on-resistance enhancement-mode GaN-based HFET using Ge-doped regrowth technique

Abstract

In this paper, we present a normally-off GaN-based transistor with extremely low on-state resistance fabricated by using Ge-doped n⁺⁺GaN layer for ohmic contact. We developed a new GaN regrowth technique using Ge, which achieved extremely high doping level of 1 × 10²⁰ cm^-3, and thereby the lowest specific contact resistance of 1.5 × 10^-6 Ω·cm². Selectively deposited NiO gate using Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) technique contributed to shorten the spacing between source and drain, making normally-off characteristics even with the 30% Al mole fraction of AlGaN. The fabricated device showed the record-breaking R_on of 0.95 Ω·mm with maximum drain current (I^d,MAX) and transconductance (g_m) of 1.1 A/mm and 490 mS/mm, respectively. It is noted that the obtained V_th was 0.55 V. An on/off current ratio of 5 × 10⁶ is also achieved.