Superlattice-based steep-slope switch

In this work we report the main results of a research activity on a novel device concept which aims to achieve a steep switching behavior based on the filtering of high-energy electrons in the FET source region. The filtering function is entrusted to a superlattice in the source extension, which could possibly be fabricated by depositing a number of appropriate semiconductor layers within the manufacturing process of vertical nanowires. Simulation results indicate that a sustained inverse switching slope SS = 26 mV/dec can be achieved using GaAs/AlGaAs as the constituent materials of the superlattice. Further improvements are expected by a careful choice of the semiconductor pairs.