Gate length scaling behavior and improved frequency characteristics of In_0.8Ga_0.2As high-electron-mobility transistor, a core device for sensor and communication applications

The impact of the gate length (L_g) on the DC and high-frequency characteristics of indium-rich In_0.8Ga_0.2As channel high-electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) on a 3-inch InP substrate was inverstigated. HEMTs with a source-to-drain spacing (L_SD) of 0.8 μm with different values of L_g ranging from 1 μm to 19 nm were fabricated, and their DC and RF responses were measured and analyzed in detail. In addition, a T-shaped gate with a gate stem height as high as 200 nm was utilized to minimize the parasitic gate capacitance during device fabrication. The threshold voltage (V_T) roll-off behavior against L_g was observed clearly, and the maximum transconductance (g_{m_max}) improved as L_g scaled down to 19 nm. In particular, the device with an L_g of 19 nm with an L_SD of 0.8 mm exhibited an excellent combination of DC and RF characteristics, such as a g_{m_max} of 2.5 mS/μm, On resistance (R_ON) of 261 Ω•μm, current-gain cutoff frequency (f_T) of 738 GHz, and maximum oscillation frequency (f_max) of 492 GHz. The results indicate that the reduction of L_g to 19 nm improves the DC and RF characteristics of InGaAs HEMTs, and a possible increase in the parasitic capacitance component, associated with T-shap, remains negligible in the device architecture.