Implantation-free edge termination structures in vertical GaN power diodes

Abstract

Gallium nitride (GaN) is a promising candidate for power applications, due to its superior electrical properties such as high critical breakdown field and saturation drift velocity. The recent emergence of GaN substrates with low defect densities has made it feasible to develop efficient vertical GaN power diodes. However, the breakdown voltage of these diodes is far from the theoretical value, due to the lack of suitable edge termination techniques in GaN such as junction termination extension (JTE). This is attributed to the processing challenges in fabricating GaN power diodes where it is difficult to form p-type regions through implantation. This work addresses this challenge and proposes the design, optimization, and a comprehensive design methodology for implantation-free, edge termination techniques such as field plate (FP), single and multi-etch JTE, and a hybrid FP-JTE structure, suitable for vertical GaN diodes. The proposed approaches demonstrate that close to theoretical breakdown voltages (>80%) are achievable, with greater area efficiency, simple processing, and high tolerance in process variation.