Abstract
The effect of the edge of the channel on the operation of planar Gunn diodes has been examined using Monte Carlo simulations. High fields at the corner of the anode contact are known to cause impact ionization and consequent electroluminescence, but our simulations show that the Gunn domains are attracted to these corners, perturbing the formation of the domains, which can lead to chaotic dynamics within the rest of the channel leading to uneven heating and reduced RF output power. We show how novel shaping of the electrical contacts at the ends of the channel reduces the attraction and restores the domain wavefronts for good device operation.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 8913625 |
| Pages (from-to) | 53-56 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices |
| Volume | 67 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Early online date | 26 Nov 2019 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Jan 2020 |
Keywords
- Anodes
- Cathodes
- Contacts
- Shape
- Radio frequency
- Distortion
- Monte Carlo methods
- Channel edge
- GaAs
- Monte Carlo
- planar Gunn diode
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Cite this
Mindil, A., Dunn, G. M., Khalid, A., & Oxley, C. H. (2020). Investigation of Contact Edge Effects in the Channel of Planar Gunn Diodes. IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices, 67(1), 53-56. [8913625]. https://doi.org/10.1109/TED.2019.2951301