Applications of GaN-AlInGaN Multi-Quantum Wells In High Power Microwave Transistors and Blue-Green Light Emitting Diodes

Asif Khan

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

University of South Carolina

 
Due to their excellent light emission properties, AlInGaN-GaN heterojunctions have attracted much attention in recent days.  Several  groups have demonstrated high brightness LEDs and lasers.  We have also reported on heterojunction field-effect-transistors and UV sensors using superior transport properties of the 2-dimensional electron gas in the GaN-AlGaN heterstructures.  We have now extended this work by including indium in the channel and the barrier region of transistor devices. This approach has the potential of yielding lattice matched heterojunctions.  It thus allows us to study the effect of strain on the piezo- and pyro-electric properties of the AlInGaN material system.  We plan to use these strain-engineered  structures for fabricating innovative opto-electronic devices.

Our research group at University of South Carolina has focussed on low pressure MOCVD growth of AlGaInN-GaN heterojunctions.  In-house lithography, metallization and dry etching systems are then used to fabricate planar and vertical geometry devices.  Results will be presented on the fabrication and characterization of new transistor and sensor structures.

Dr. Asif Khan,
Professor and Director Microelectronics Lab
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Room 3A-28, Swearingen Building
University of South Carolina
Columbia SC 29208
Tel:    803-777-7941
Fax:    803-777-2447
Email:  asif@engr.sc.edu