Acoustic charge transport in a n-i-n three terminal device

Abstract

We present an unconventional approach to realize acoustic charge transport devices that takes advantage from an original input region geometry in place of standard Ohmic input contacts. Our scheme is based on a n-i-n lateral junction as electron injector, an etched intrinsic channel, a standard Ohmic output contact and a pair of in-plane gates. We show that surface acoustic waves are able to pick up electrons from a current flowing through the n-i-n junction and steer them toward the output contact. Acoustic charge transport was studied as a function of the injector current and bias, the SAW power and at various temperatures. The possibility to modulate the acoustoelectric current by means of lateral in-plane gates is also discussed. The main advantage of our approach relies on the possibility to drive the n-i-n injector by means of both voltage or current sources, thus allowing to sample and process voltage and current signals as well.

Acoustoelectric luminescence from a field-effect n-i-p lateral junction

“…15 We injected a constant electron current into the n-source while measuring the current flowing out from the n-drain. A 2DHG was induced in the p-section of the device by injecting a current between p-source and the p-drain.…”

“…Leakage currents to the gates were negligible. Acoustoelectric transport properties of the devices were probed by taking advantage from the ability of the SAWs to extract electrons from a current flow [15]: we injected a constant electron current into the n-source while measuring the current flowing out from the n-drain. A 2DHG was induced in the p-section of the device by injecting a current between p-source and the p-drain.…”

Design of a Three-Terminal Nanodevice: Controlled Molecular Rectifier

“…14 15 Cecchini et al 14 showing charge transportation (acoustic type) in a device within a n-i-n injector junction (coupled an output Ohmic contact) and a pair of in-plane gates. The results were obtained from 5 K to room temperature showing effective charge transport until reach 120 K. At this range temperature, it has positive conclusions for the possibility of the current modulation.…”