Channel Junction Research Articles

Two-Dimensional Potential and Threshold Voltage Modeling of Work Function Engineered Double Gate High-k Gate Stack Schottky Barrier MOSFET

Following the ongoing research trend towards the development of nonconventional metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) structures to reduce the detrimental influence of various short-channel effects associated with the continual miniaturization of device dimensions through several technology nodes, we have explored a Schottky barrier symmetric double gate (DG) MOSFET incorporating the concepts of gate engineering and dielectric engineering, viz. a work function engineered double gate Schottky barrier MOSFET with high-k gate stack. The study primarily addresses issues related to the source–channel and drain–channel junctions of highly scaled devices by considering metallic source and drain regions to benefit from the barrier height lowering at the metal–semiconductor junctions along with reduced contact resistances, which improves the performance of the proposed device in terms of surface potential, electric field, threshold voltage roll-off, drain-induced barrier lowering, etc. The results obtained from detailed two-dimensional threshold voltage modeling are found to be in excellent agreement with the simulation results, validating the presented analytical model.

Numerical Modeling of Hyperconcentrated Confluent Floods From the Middle Yellow and Lower Weihe Rivers

AbstractHyperconcentrated confluent floods in the Middle Yellow River and its tributaries are characterized by the phenomena of extremely high backwater stage, flood water intrusion, and local channel blockage in confluence areas. In order to study the propagation process of hyperconcentrated confluent floods, most existing channel network models need reinforcement in the computation of sediment transport and improvement in the treatment of interior boundary at channel junctions. A river network model for hyperconcentrated confluent floods is proposed based on the finite volume method scheme, in which the study domain is represented by ordinary 1‐D cells and junction cells. As a preprocess step, a bathymetry interpolation algorithm is developed to generate topography data and to extract the stage‐volume relationship for the junction cell. The storage change and sediment transport in the junction cell are calculated in each time step with no need to distinguish convergent or divergent flow pattern, and the solution in each reach can be executed simultaneously. The model was validated by simulating the hyperconcentrated confluent flood events in 1977 and 1966, with the maximum backwater stage and the occurrence time of flood water intrusion in the Lower Weihe River being well predicted. The response was investigated of the Middle Yellow River and Lower Weihe River to the arrangement of peak times of confluent floods, with the critical condition for flood water intrusion and the scenario that achieves the most effective scouring in the downstream channel being identified.

Effects of Shoal Margin Collapses on the Morphodynamics of a Sandy Estuary.

Shoal margin collapses of several million cubic meters have occurred in the Western Scheldt estuary, the Netherlands, on average five times a year over the last decades. While these collapses involve significant volumes of material, their effect on the channel‐shoal morphology is unknown. We hypothesize that collapses dynamicize the channel‐shoal interactions, which could impact the ecological functioning, flood safety, and navigation in the estuary. The objective is to investigate how locations, probability, type, and volume of shoal margin collapse affect the channel‐shoal dynamics. We implemented an empirically validated parameterization for shoal margin collapses and tested its effect on simulated estuary morphological development in a Delft3D schematization of the Western Scheldt. Three sets of scenarios were analyzed for near‐field and far‐field effects on flow pattern and channel‐shoal morphology: (1) an observed shoal margin collapse of 2014, (2) initial large collapses on 10 locations, and (3) continuous collapses predicted by our novel probabilistic model over a time span of decades. Results show that a single shoal margin collapse only affects the local dynamics in the longitudinal flow direction and dampen out within a year for typical volumes, whereas larger disturbances that reach the seaward or landward sill at tidal channel junctions grow. The direction of the strongest tidally averaged flow determined the redistribution of the collapsed sediment. We conclude that adding the process of shoal margin collapses increases the channel‐shoal interactions and that in intensively dredged estuaries shoal margins oversteepen, amplifying the number of collapses, but because of dredging the natural morphological response is interrupted.

Numerical modelling of open channel junctions using the Riemann problem approach

ABSTRACTThe solution of an extended Riemann problem is used to provide the internal boundary conditions at a junction when simulating one-dimensional flow through an open channel network. The proposed approach, compared to classic junction models, does not require the tuning of semi-empirical coefficients and it is theoretically well-founded. The Riemann problem approach is validated using experimental data, two-dimensional model results and analytical solutions. In particular, a set of experimental data is used to test each model under subcritical steady flow conditions, and different channel junctions are considered, with both continuous and discontinuous bottom elevation. Moreover, the numerical results are compared with analytical solutions in a star network to test unsteady conditions. Satisfactory results are obtained for all the simulations, and particularly for Y-shaped networks and for cases involving variations in channels' bottom and width. By contrast, classic models suffer when geometrical channel effects are involved.

Thiol-ene Microfluidic Chip for Performing Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange of Proteins at Subsecond Time Scales.

Hydrogen/deuterium exchange monitored by mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) has become a routine approach for sensitive analysis of the dynamic structure and interactions of proteins. However, transient conformational changes and weak affinity interactions found in many biological systems typically only perturb fast-exchanging amides in proteins. Detection of HDX changes for such amides require shorter deuterium labeling times (subsecond) than can be performed reproducibly by manual sample handling. Here, we describe the development and validation of a microfluidic chip capable of rapid on-chip protein labeling and reaction quenching. The fastHDX thiol-ene microchip is fabricated entirely using thiol-ene photochemistry. The chip has a three-channel design for introduction of protein sample, deuterated buffer, and quench buffer. Thiol-ene based monolith plugs (i.e., polymerized thiol-ene emulsions) situated within microchannels are generated in situ using a 3D-printed photolithography mask. We show that efficient on-chip mixing can be achieved at channel junctions by spatially confined in-channel monolith mixers. Using human hemoglobin (Hb), we demonstrate the ability of the chip to perform highly reproducible HDX in the 0.14-1.1 s time frame. The HDX of Hb at 0.14-1.1 s, resolved to peptide segments, correlates closely with structural features of the crystal structure of the Hb tetramer, with helices exhibiting no or minor HDX and loops undergoing pronounced HDX even at subsecond time scales. On-chip HDX of Hb at time points ranging from 0.14-1.1 s demonstrates the ability to distinguish fast exchanging amides and thus provides enhanced detection of transient structure and interactions in dynamic or exposed regions of proteins in solution.

Low-frequency noise analysis of heterojunction SELBOX TFET

This paper explores low-frequency noise analysis of TFET on selective buried oxide (SELBOX) with a δp + silicon germanium layer at the source channel junction in the presence of uniform and gaussian trap concentrations. Different electrical parameters of the proposed structure for the optimized position of gap are investigated. Lowest OFF current is obtained for the position of gap near the source region. Considering the current noise spectral density (SID) and voltage noise spectral density (SVG), the impact of noise on the device performance is analyzed. Noise spectral densities are compared in the presence of interface trap concentrations and δp+ Si1−xGex layer Ge-mole fractions. Variation of noise densities with frequency is explored. Improved ION/IOFF ratio and subthreshold swing are obtained in the presence of uniform trap as compared to gaussian trap.

Interaction between channel junction and bridge pier on flow characteristics

Considering many bridge piers that destroyed every year due to scouring, flow behavior around these obstructions was one of the interests of engineers in recent years. This phenomenon has usually been studied in straight channels and has rarely studied at channel confluences. To accomplish this, after calibrating SSIIM1 model for a 90° channel junction, the effect of circular bridge pier at two positions after channel confluence (x/w = −1.5 and x/w = −3, x = distance from upstream corner of junction in flow direction, w = main channel width) on flow pattern were conducted. The results indicated that bridge pier caused backwater rise by 4.1% at upstream of channel confluence compared to without bridge pier case. Water surface profile of main channel reduced in two steps. First step was due to reduction of effective width of main channel because of tributary channel inflow and the second one was due to flow contraction near bridge pier while in the absence of bridge pier it only had one step. Also the results showed that longitudinal velocity decreased at upstream sections of bridge pier. At the centerline of the section corresponding to downstream corner of junction for (x/w = −1.5) and (x/w = −3) these reductions were 25.4% and 16.3% respectively.

Gene and Protein Expression Profile of Selected Molecular Targets Mediating Electrophysiological Function in Pgc-1α Deficient Murine Atria.

Increases in the prevalence of obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome has led to the increase of atrial fibrillation (AF) cases in the developed world. These AF risk factors are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, previously modelled using peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) coactivator-1 (Pgc-1)-deficient murine cardiac models. We explored gene and protein expression profiles of selected molecular targets related to electrophysiological function in murine Pgc-1α−/− atria. qPCR analysis surveyed genes related to Na+-K+-ATPase, K+ conductance, hyperpolarisation-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (Hcn), Na+ channels, Ca2+ channels, and indicators for adrenergic and cholinergic receptor modulation. Western blot analysis for molecular targets specific to conduction velocity (Nav1.5 channel and gap junctions) was performed. Transcription profiles revealed downregulation of molecules related to Na+-K+-ATPase transport, Hcn-dependent pacemaker function, Na+ channel-dependent action potential activation and propagation, Ca2+ current generation, calsequestrin-2 dependent Ca2+ homeostasis, and adrenergic α1D dependent protection from hypertrophic change. Nav1.5 channel protein expression but not gap junction expression was reduced in Pgc-1α−/− atria compared to WT. Nav1.5 reduction reflects corresponding reduction in its gene expression profile. These changes, as well as the underlying Pgc-1α−/− alteration, suggest potential pharmacological targets directed towards either upstream PGC-1 signalling mechanisms or downstream ion channel changes.

Dynamic river ice processes in a river delta network

Deltas and other multi-channel river systems in cold regions are particularly prone to ice jam flooding. The Hay River delta in the Northwest Territories, Canada is a unique full-scale field laboratory for studying such events because of its relatively simple network geometry and easy access throughout. This paper presents detailed analyses of ice formation and consolidation events at the main channel junction of the Hay River delta. These analyses describe the dynamic, two-phase, open channel flow (DTPOCF) of water and ice in a multi-channel environment. Water waves and ice movements were tracked continuously at 22 locations over three breakup seasons. In the six analyzed events, ice jam movements were initiated at the upstream end of the ice jams while the stopping of these movements was initiated at the downstream end. This resulted in ice movements that alternated between the delta channels, due to the unsteady flow conditions at the channel junctions and the momentum of the ice upstream of the junction. This alternating pattern of ice movement had been observed in the Hay River delta for many decades; but until this study, it had remained unexplained. These findings suggest that the prediction of the extent of ice jam consolidation, and thus ice jam flooding, may require consideration of unsteady ice jam dynamics. Finally, a unique cause for ice jam consolidation was observed: a wave generated by the melting and “creeping consolidation” at the upstream end of an ice jam caused the jam to consolidate and release.

A compact interband tunneling current model for Gate-on-Source/Channel SOI-TFETs

A tunneling probability-based drain current model for tunnel field-effect transistors (FETs) is presented. First, an analytical model for the surface potential and the potential at the channel–buried oxide interface is derived for a Gate-on-Source/Channel silicon on insulator (SOI)-tunnel FET (TFET), considering the effect of the back-gate voltage. Next, a drain current model is derived for the same device by using the tunneling probability at the source–channel junction. The proposed model includes physical parameters such as the gate oxide thickness, buried oxide thickness, channel thickness, and front-gate oxide dielectric constant. The proposed model is used to investigate the effects of variation of the front-gate voltage, drain voltage, back-gate voltage, and front-gate dielectric thickness. Moreover, a threshold voltage model is developed and the drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL) is calculated for the proposed device. The effect of bandgap narrowing is considered in the model. The model is validated by comparison with Technology Computer-Aided Design (TCAD) simulation results.

Quasi-Elliptic-Type Multiplexer Design Without Cross Coupling

A method to design quasi-elliptic-type multiplexers without cross coupling in its channelizing bandpass filters is reported. It is based on the use of a multi-transmission-zero (TZ)/multipole filtering cell in the junction of the multiplexer channels. This filtering cell increases the orders of the multiplexer channels by one in relation to the isolated filters, whereas its TZs are shared by all channels. In this manner, an enhanced order sharp-rejection multiplexer can be synthesized. The operational foundations of the proposed quasi-elliptic-type multiplexer approach, which is general for symmetrical and asymmetrical arbitrary-order designs in any RF technology, are described under a coupling-matrix-based formalism. Moreover, for practical-validation purposes, a third-order microstrip duplexer prototype with channels centered at 2.15 and 2.65 GHz is manufactured and tested.

Performance evaluation of normally ON/OFF junctionless vertical channel GaN FET

GaN vertical channel junction field-effect transistor (VC-JFET) is a relatively new technology, which is particularly suitable for high-power applications. In these devices, the channel is formed between two p-GaN current blocking layers which is a complex and costly process. In addition, various traps and defects get introduced during the fabrication of p-GaN layers. The traps and defects near the interface of the p-GaN layer and n-GaN channel can deteriorate the device performance. Therefore, for reducing the fabrication complexity with enhanced device performance, a normally ON/OFF GaN vertical channel junctionless field-effect transistor (VC-JLFET) is proposed in this paper. The results are compared against conventional GaN VC-junction field-effect transistor (VC-JFET) of the equal dimensions and doping concentrations. The absence of p–n junction at source and drain in the proposed device offers less fabrication complexity, cost, and thermal budget as compared to the referenced device. The proposed device provides more than four times drain current ( $$8.37\times 10^{-6}$$ A/μm) as compared to the referenced device ( $$1.9 \times 10^{-6}$$ A/μm) at similar physical and bias conditions. The obtained values of ON resistance, trans-conductance, unity gain bandwidth frequency, and breakdown voltage for the proposed normally ON device (at Lap = 0.9 μm, Vth = −3.5 V, VG = −1V, VD = 1 V) are 5.63 × 103 Ω/μm, 6.99 × 10−7 S/μm, 1.56 × 108 Hz and 700 V, respectively. While in normally OFF mode, the obtained values of parameters such as threshold voltage, ON resistance, breakdown voltage, and drain current are 2 V, $$1.56 \times 10^{6}$$ Ω/μm, greater than 1000 V and $$1.54 \times 10^{-6}$$ A/μm, respectively. The normally OFF VC-JLFET is achieved by gate work-function engineering in conjunction with doping optimization.

Differences in Functional Expression of Connexin43 and NaV1.5 by Pan- and Class-Selective Histone Deacetylase Inhibition in Heart.

Class-selective histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors were designed to improve safety profiles and therapeutic effectiveness in the treatment of multiple cancers relative to pan-HDAC inhibitors. However, the underlying mechanisms for their therapeutic and cardiotoxic potentials remain poorly understood. Cardiac sodium currents (INa) and gap junction conductance (gj) were measured by whole cell patch clamp techniques on primary cultures of neonatal cardiomyocytes. Cardiac NaV1.5 sodium channel and connexin43 (Cx43) gap junction protein levels were assessed by Western blot analyses. Panobinostat produced concentration-dependent reductions in ventricular gj, peak INa density, and NaV1.5 protein expression levels. Membrane voltage (Vm)-dependent activation of INa was shifted by +3 to 6 mV with no effect on inactivation. Entinostat (1 μM) did not affect ventricular gj, peak INa density, or INa activation. However, the INa half-inactivation voltage (V½) was shifted by −3.5 mV. Ricolinostat had only minor effects on ventricular gj and INa properties, though INa activation was shifted by −4 mV. Cx43 and NaV1.5 protein expression levels were not altered by class-selective HDAC inhibitors. The lack of effects of class-selective HDAC inhibitors on ventricular gj and INa may help explain the improved cardiac safety profile of entinostat and ricolinostat.

Analog/RF characteristics of a 3D-Cyl underlap GAA-TFET based on a Ge source using fringing-field engineering for low-power applications

As an alternative to conventional tunnel field-effect transistor (TFET) devices for low-power applications, drain-underlap (DU) cylindrical (Cyl) gate-all-around (GAA) TFETs based on a Ge source using fringing-field effects can show suppressed subthreshold leakage current. In this work, such a fringing field is implemented using a hetero-spacer dielectric placed over the Ge source, resulting in enhanced direct-current (DC) and analog/radiofrequency (RF) characteristics such as $$I_{\mathrm{ON}}$$ , $$I_{\mathrm{OFF}}$$ , subthreshold swing (SS), $$C_{\mathrm{gs}}$$ , $$C_{\mathrm{gd}}$$ , and $$f_\mathrm{t}$$ . It is found that the ambipolar behavior and Miller capacitance $$C_{\mathrm{gd}}$$ are minimized in combination with a high band-to-band tunneling (BTBT) rate compared with devices based on a homo-spacer dielectric placed over a Si source. At the same time, the drain-underlap design increases the series resistance across the drain–channel junction overlapped by the fringing field, reducing $$I_{\mathrm{OFF}}$$ . Furthermore, the performance of the proposed device matches well with experimental data when including the effects of trap-assisted tunneling (TAT) for improved device reliability. Thus, the behavior of the RF figure of merit of the proposed device is different compared with conventional TFET designs.

Propofol-induced vasodilation of mesenteric arterioles via BKCa channel and gap junction.

The present study aimed to investigate the role of propofol in mediating the vasomotor activity of the mesenteric arteriole (MA) of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The pressure myograph technique was used to examine the effect of different concentrations of propofol on the relaxation of blood vessels in the 2–3 mm MA segments freshly separated from the SD rats. The whole-cell patch-clamp technique was applied to observe the outward current of single vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) obtained from the MAs of the SD rats. Furthermore, immunofluorescence was utilized to assess the expression of connexin (Cx) in the MAs of SD rats. The results indicated the following: i) Propofol relaxed the MA of SD rats in a concentration-dependent manner from 1×10−7 to 3×10−4 mol/l; ii) in the acutely dissociated VSMCs, propofol (1×10−7 to 3×10−4 mol/l) enhanced the outward current of VSMCs in a concentration-dependent manner; iii) the enhanced outward currents induced by propofol (1×10−5 mol/l) may be reversed by tetraethylammonium (TEA; 1 mmol/l), a calcium-activated K+ channel inhibitor; iv) the effect of propofol on the relaxation of the vasculature wAS reduced after perfusion with 1 mmol/l TEA; v) Cx40, Cx43 and Cx45 were expressed on the MA; 6) 18β-glycyrrhetintic acid and 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, two types of gap junction blocker, inhibited the propofol-induced relaxation. The present study provides evidence that propofol relaxes the MA, which may be associated with its effect of enhancing the channel current of large-conductance calcium voltage-activated potassium channels, contributing to the K+ outflow and leading to VSMC hyperpolarization; the gap junction may facilitate the hyperpolarization, which may lead to vascular synchronized relaxation and thereby reduce the blood pressure.

Discharge and flow field simulation of open channel sewer junction using artificial intelligence methods

One of the most important parameters in designing of sewer structures is the ability to accurately simulation the discharge and velocity field of them. Among the various sewer receiving inflow methods, open channel junctions are mostly occurring. Because of the separation and contraction zone that occur at the open channel junctions, the fluid flow has a complex behavior. Modeling is carried out by Radial Basis Function (RBF) neural network, Gene Expression Programming (GEP), and Multiple Non-Linear Regression (MNLR) methods. Finding the optimum situation for GEP and RBF models are done by examining the various mathematical and linking functions for GEP and different number of hidden neurons and spread amount for RBF. In order to use the models in practical situations, three equations were conducted by using the RBF, GEP, and MNLR methods in modeling the longitudinal velocity. Then, the surface integral of the presented equations is used to simulate the flow discharge. The results showed that the GEP and RBF method perform significantly better than the MNLR in open channel junction characteristics simulations. The GEP method has higher performance in modeling the longitudinal velocity field compare with the RBF. However, the RBF presented more reliable results on the discharge simulations.

The fusion pore, 60years after the first cartoon.

Neurotransmitter release occurs in the form of quantal events by fusion of secretory vesicles with the plasma membrane, and begins with the formation of a fusion pore that has a conductance similar to that of a large ion channel or gap junction. In this review, we propose mechanisms of fusion pore formation and discuss their implications for fusion pore structure and function. Accumulating evidence indicates a direct role of soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive-factor attachment receptor proteins in the opening of fusion pores. Fusion pores are likely neither protein channels nor purely lipid, but are of proteolipidic composition. Future perspectives to gain better insight into the molecular structure of fusion pores are discussed.

DNA Methylation at Birth Is Associated with Adiposity and Infant Growth during the First Six Months of Life in the Healthy Start Study

In utero exposures have been shown to impart increased risk for obesity in the offspring and are associated with epigenetic changes. DNA methylation was measured in 351 umbilical cord blood (UCB) samples within the Healthy Start Study, a well-characterized prebirth cohort that is following mother-infant pairs from pregnancy-early childhood. The primary objective was to test if DNA methylation at birth was associated with fat mass (FM) gains and infant growth (weight-for-age Z-score, WAZ) during the first 6 months (mos) of life to identify potential biomarkers of future obesity risk. DNA methylation was assessed in UCB via the Illumina 450K array. Adiposity was measured at birth and 4-6 mos of age via PeaPod. Infant weight was obtained from medical records. After adjusting for cellular heterogeneity, sex, and race we found 742 methylation sites (CpGs) through a univariable analysis that were associated with the rate of FM (g/day) in the first 6 mos of life (p < 0.001). Then, partial least squares (PLS) fitting using a multivariable analysis selected a subset of 235 predictor CpGs in this list for KEGG pathway analysis. Similarly, 1314 CpGs were associated with WAZ (p < 0.001); PLS selected a subset of 198 CpGs for KEGG analysis. Using a FDR < 0.001 for KEGG analysis, 3 pathways were associated with FM gain (Metabolic pathways, Glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, Neurotrophin signaling) and 8 pathways for WAZ gain (Gastric acid secretion, Oocyte meiosis, Metabolic pathways, Endocytosis, Tight Junction, Oxytocin signaling, GnRH signaling, and Inflammatory mediator regulation of TRP channels). The KEGG: Metabolic pathways was identified for both FM and WAZ gain, and 3 gene targets enriched in this pathway, ATP5C1, CYP26A1, and IDH3A are known to be involved in fat metabolism. Our studies have identified potential candidate methylation biomarkers, present at birth, which can be used for early risk detection in order to mitigate development of childhood obesity. Disclosure S.J. Borengasser: None. A.P. Starling: None. W. Zhang: None. J. Friedman: Advisory Panel; Self; Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. R.F. Hamman: None. I. Yang: None. K. Kechris: None. D. Dabelea: None.

Recharge Wells Site Selection for Artificial Groundwater Recharge in an Urban Area Using Fuzzy Logic Technique

In arid and semi-arid area, groundwater is the most important water resources. Surface runoff harvesting is the most important process in the artificial recharge of groundwater that should increase groundwater quality and quantity. Urban impervious area provides an appropriate surface to produce adequate amounts of runoff. Groundwater recharge via recharge wells is one of the successful direct sub-surface methods. As many cities around the world face issues of water scarcity due to a fast and unsustainable urbanization, identify the best locations of groundwater recharge wells is an interesting relevant topic, especially in the arid and semi-arid area. Selection of a suitable area for groundwater recharge could increase efficiency of the recharge wells. In this study, the best location of recharge wells was investigated in Urmia city located in the North-west of Iran using fuzzy logic technique. In this study, locations of the drainage channel junctions with adequate potential of surface runoff were determined using SWMM. Appropriate locations for recharge wells were determined based on different layers including distance to runoff harvesting points, distance to the production water wells and depth of groundwater table. Hydraulic condition (hydraulic conductivity and specific recharge) was also used separately. The input layers were prepared using geostatistical interpolation techniques in ArcGIS 9.3 software. Mamdani fuzzy inference system was applied to incorporate the fuzzified input layers. Finally, in each area, pixels with the highest value were proposed as suitable locations for recharge wells. Based on the results, the number of pixels with “High” priorities increased when the hydraulic conductivity was used to site selection. Comparing hydraulic conductivity layer and selected location of the recharge wells shows that the area with low hydraulic conductivity and the area closed to the production water wells has not suitable priority for recharge wells.

Contact resistance reduction of ZnO thin film transistors (TFTs) with saw-shaped electrode

We report on a saw-shaped electrode architecture ZnO thin film transistor (TFT), which effectively increases the channel width. The contact line of the saw-shaped electrode is almost twice as long at the contact metal/ZnO channel junction. We experimentally observed an enhancement in the output drive current by 50% and a reduction in the contact resistance by over 50%, when compared to a typically shaped electrode ZnO TFT consuming the same chip area. This performance enhancement is attributed to the extension of the channel width. This technique can contribute to device performance enhancement, and in particular reduce the contact resistance, which is a serious challenge.