Analytical modeling and simulation of subthreshold behavior in nanoscale dual material gate AlGaN/GaN HEMT

A two-dimensional (2-D) analytical model for a Dual Material Gate (DMG) AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT) has been developed to demonstrate the unique attributes of this device structure in suppressing short channel effects (SCEs). The model accurately predicts the channel potential, electric field variation along the channel, and sub-threshold drain current, taking into account the effect of lengths of the two gate metals, their work functions, barrier layer thicknesses, and applied drain biases. It is seen that the SCEs and hot carrier effects in DMG AlGaN/GaN HEMT are suppressed due to the work function difference of the two metal gates, thereby screening the drain potential variations by the gate near the drain. Besides, a more uniform electric field along the channel leads to improved carrier transport efficiency. The accuracy of the results obtained from our analytical model has been verified using ATLAS device simulations.