High efficiency GaInAs/InP heterojunction IMPATT diodes

Heterojunction IMPATT diodes make it possible to produce new high conversion efficiency devices, combining a low bandgap semiconductor for the avalanche zone with a large bandgap material for the drift region. In this study, the heterojunction GaInAs/InP which seems particularly attractive is used in various structures. The theoretical predictions of performances are determined by a computer simulation which takes into account the main limitation effects of IMPATT diodes and the influence of particular physical phenomena due to the use of heterojunctions and semiconductors, mainly the influence of injection currents. Potential performances of the proposed structure appear very attractive especially in the millimeter-wave range using a MITATT mode (Mixed-Tunneling-Avalanche-Transit-Time) by combining tunneling current and avalanche multiplication injections.