Hybrid optically and electrically controllable field effect transistor based on manipulated nanoparticles

Abstract

The hybrid optically and electrically controllable field effect transistor is a novel device whose current-voltage (I-V) curve can be controlled by optical or electrical modulation of metallic nanoparticles. The basic structure of this transistor is similar to that of a junction gate field effect transistor, where the conventional gate contact is replaced by an array of nanoparticles located on the upper side of the p-n junction and parallel to the channel direction, whereas the source and the drain contacts remain the same. The deposition of the nanoparticles is achieved by self-assembly using the focused-ion-beam technology. The displacement of the nanoparticles along the air gap is performed either optically or electrically. Optical control is based on a special type of optical tweezers realized by guiding and confining light into a nanosize void structure in which the nanoparticle is placed. Electrical control via an external electric field tunes the nanoparticles. Control of the I-V curve controls the logic function of the device. C 2011 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE).