Ultrafast Carbon Nanotube Oxide Metal Tunnel Diodes for Infrared and Optical Rectenna: A Study of the Limiting Resistances
Abstract
We will carry out in depth experimental investigations of electronic properties of interfaces and resistances in CNT-O-M architectures. Our studies will address the following open scientific questions: (a) What are the limits on how thin an oxide barrier can be in a CNT-O-M diode structure as determined by fabrication limits and fundamental limits on diode operation by quantum mechanical tunneling? How are these limits affected by temperature? (b) What roles do CNT-oxide or oxide-metal interfaces play in controlling the barrier heights and tuning the rectification ratio at infrared and optical frequencies? (c) What is the lowest series resistance that can be achieved in a single multiwall CNT-O-M diode junction? Motivated by these fundamental scientific questions and to lay the foundation for developing new devices using the unique electronic and electromagnetic properties of CNTs, the objectives of this research program are to: (1) Determine the limit of CNT diode oxide insulator thickness dictated by fabrication limits. Our preliminary experiments suggest that the thickness of the oxide insulator layer affects the barrier height and consequently correlates to the turn on voltage and tunneling current. With improved fabrication procedures such as CNT functionalization to improve oxide nucleation density we aim to test the lower limit of insulator thickness and fundamental limits on diode operation by quantum mechanical tunneling. (2) Develop an approach to make electrical contact to the inner walls of multiwall CNTs in the diode junctions. Our preliminary experiments suggest that the series resistance of a single CNT diode junction is at least 20 G?, which is about eight orders of magnitude higher than what has been achieved for ohmic contacts to open-ended multiwall CNTs [2].
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1067190
Entities
People
- Baratunde A. Cola
Organizations
- Georgia Tech Research Corporation