Influence of density inhomogeneity on the quantum capacitance of graphene nanoribbon field effect transistors

A semi-analytical model for the capacitance–voltage characteristics of graphene nanoribbon field-effect transistors (GNR-FETs), in the quantum capacitance limit, is presented. The model incorporates the presence of electron–hole puddles induced by local potential fluctuations assuming a Gaussian distribution associated with these puddles. Our numerical results show that the multi-peaks in the non-monotonic quantum capacitance–voltage characteristics are broadened as the potential fluctuation strength increases and the broadening effect is much more pronounced in wide GNRs. The influence of both gate-insulator thickness and dielectric constant scaling on the total gate-capacitance characteristics is also explored. Gate capacitance has non-monotonic behavior with ripples for thin gate-insulators. However, as we go beyond the quantum capacitance limit by increasing insulator thickness or decreasing dielectric constant, the ripples are suppressed and smooth monotonic characteristics are obtained.

► We model analytically the capacitance–voltage characteristics of GNR-FETs.
► The model incorporates the presence of electron–hole puddles.
► The GNR’s width, temperature and Fermi level dependence is examined.
► The effect of gate-insulator thickness and dielectric constant scaling is explored.
► Capacitance has non-monotonic behavior in the quantum capacitance limit.