Improvement of breakdown characteristics in AlGaN/GaN/AlxGa1−xN HEMT based on a grading AlxGa1−xN buffer layer

Abstract

AbstractTo improve the breakdown characteristics of an AlGaN/GaN based high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) for high voltage applications, AlGaN/GaN/AlxGa1−xN double heterostructure (DH‐HEMTs) were designed and fabricated by replacing the semi‐insulating GaN buffer with content graded AlxGa1−xN (x = x1 → x2, x1 > x2), in turn linearly lowering the Al content x from x1 = 90% to x2 = 5% toward the front side GaN channel on a high temperature AlN buffer layer. The use of a highly resistive AlxGa1−xN epilayer suppresses the parasitic conduction in the GaN buffer, and the band edge discontinuity limits the channel electrons spillover, thereby reducing leakage current and drain current collapse. In comparison with the conventional HEMT that use a semi‐insulating GaN buffer, the fabricated DH‐HEMT device with the same size presents a remarkable enhancement of the breakdown voltage.