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Optimization of annealing conditions and doping concentration for high-performance PEALD Al-doped ZnO thin-film transistors
Xue Chen, Liwei Ji, Hao Wu, Chang Liu
, Available online  

doi: 10.1088/1674-4926/26070004

In this study, the effects of post-deposition annealing conditions and Al-doping concentrations on the electrical characteristics and bias-stress stability of ZnO-based thin-film transistors (TFTs) were systematically investigated. Experimental results reveal that an optimal annealing condition of 200°C for 30 minutes effectively promotes the activation of ionic species and the passivation of detrimental defects, thereby facilitating superior device performance. At an optimized Al-doping ratio of 1:20, the AZO TFTs exhibit excellent electrical characteristics, including a field-effect mobility of 5.03 cm2–V–1–s–1, a positive threshold voltage of 3.47 V and a subthreshold swing of 0.29 V/dec. Compared to pure ZnO TFTs, the Al-doped devices demonstrate exceptional bias-stress stability, which can be attributed to appropriate Al doping concentration suppressing the density of trap states, including oxygen vacancies and residual carbon-oxygen related impurities.

In this study, the effects of post-deposition annealing conditions and Al-doping concentrations on the electrical characteristics and bias-stress stability of ZnO-based thin-film transistors (TFTs) were systematically investigated. Experimental results reveal that an optimal annealing condition of 200°C for 30 minutes effectively promotes the activation of ionic species and the passivation of detrimental defects, thereby facilitating superior device performance. At an optimized Al-doping ratio of 1:20, the AZO TFTs exhibit excellent electrical characteristics, including a field-effect mobility of 5.03 cm2–V–1–s–1, a positive threshold voltage of 3.47 V and a subthreshold swing of 0.29 V/dec. Compared to pure ZnO TFTs, the Al-doped devices demonstrate exceptional bias-stress stability, which can be attributed to appropriate Al doping concentration suppressing the density of trap states, including oxygen vacancies and residual carbon-oxygen related impurities.
A photolithography-compatible method for transferring full-device constituents on silicon substrate
Zunxian Lv, Shun Zhang, Mingjian Yang, Xinsheng Wang, Zhaochao Liu, Yameng Hou, Jiabiao Chen, Moyuan Cao, Feng Luo, Jinxiong Wu
, Available online  

doi: 10.1088/1674-4926/26080030

Transfer printing offers a promising route to integrate pre-fabricated device components with two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors, yet most existing approaches rely on deliberately deposited buffer layers or specialized substrates, adding complexity and limiting compatibility with standard silicon fabrication. Here, we report a simple and photolithography-compatible strategy that leverages the ultrathin lift-off-resist (LOR) residue, which naturally retains on a commercial silicon substrate after standard photolithography, as a sacrificial release layer. This ~2 nm-thick residue allows selective water intercalation at the LOR/Si interface, enabling damage-free delamination of various pre-fabricated metal electrodes, high-κ metal gate (HKMG) stacks, and even entire device stacks directly from the Si substrate. Besides, the top-gated MoS2 transistor was fabricated by one-step laminating the full-device stack onto the MoS2 flake, yielding a clean van der Waals interface, small subthreshold swing and negligible gate hysteresis. Our method eliminates the need for additional sacrificial layer deposition or specialized handling substrates, offering a facile method to transfer full-device constituents on industry-compatible Si substrate.

Transfer printing offers a promising route to integrate pre-fabricated device components with two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors, yet most existing approaches rely on deliberately deposited buffer layers or specialized substrates, adding complexity and limiting compatibility with standard silicon fabrication. Here, we report a simple and photolithography-compatible strategy that leverages the ultrathin lift-off-resist (LOR) residue, which naturally retains on a commercial silicon substrate after standard photolithography, as a sacrificial release layer. This ~2 nm-thick residue allows selective water intercalation at the LOR/Si interface, enabling damage-free delamination of various pre-fabricated metal electrodes, high-κ metal gate (HKMG) stacks, and even entire device stacks directly from the Si substrate. Besides, the top-gated MoS2 transistor was fabricated by one-step laminating the full-device stack onto the MoS2 flake, yielding a clean van der Waals interface, small subthreshold swing and negligible gate hysteresis. Our method eliminates the need for additional sacrificial layer deposition or specialized handling substrates, offering a facile method to transfer full-device constituents on industry-compatible Si substrate.
Performance enhanced self-powered near ultraviolet detector based on a NiO/ZnO/SnO2 sandwich structure
Nan Li, Peiqin Hong, Xinyu Cui, Haibo Fan, Peng Hu, Feng Teng
, Available online  

doi: 10.1088/1674-4926/26070050

Ultraviolet and near ultraviolet detectors based on ZnO thin films often exhibit potential in the field of optoelectronic devices. However, the persistent photoconductivity effect inside ZnO thin films often leads to slow response speeds. In this work, a sandwich structure of NiO/ZnO/SnO2 thin film was constructed to prepare a near ultraviolet photodetector with fast response speed. Compared with the heterojunction detectors of NiO/ZnO and ZnO/SnO2, the sandwich structure detector exhibits significantly faster response speed (20 ms/1.65 s) under a bias voltage of 0.1 V. At the same time, the obtained device also exhibited stable self-powered response characteristics. The device exhibits a photocurrent of 1.35 nA and a response time of 20/35ms under 365nm illumination at 0V bias. The maximum responsivity and detectivity are 47.98 μA/W and 4.642 × 109 Jones, respectively. The performance of the device is mainly attributed to this unique sandwich structure. The NiO and SnO2 layers avoid direct contact between the ZnO and the electrode, effectively suppressing the influence of persistent photoconductivity of ZnO film. And the stepped energy level structure makes the transport of photo generated carriers smooth. The obtained results provide new ideas and corresponding data basis for the subsequent study of high-performance ZnO based photodetectors.

Ultraviolet and near ultraviolet detectors based on ZnO thin films often exhibit potential in the field of optoelectronic devices. However, the persistent photoconductivity effect inside ZnO thin films often leads to slow response speeds. In this work, a sandwich structure of NiO/ZnO/SnO2 thin film was constructed to prepare a near ultraviolet photodetector with fast response speed. Compared with the heterojunction detectors of NiO/ZnO and ZnO/SnO2, the sandwich structure detector exhibits significantly faster response speed (20 ms/1.65 s) under a bias voltage of 0.1 V. At the same time, the obtained device also exhibited stable self-powered response characteristics. The device exhibits a photocurrent of 1.35 nA and a response time of 20/35ms under 365nm illumination at 0V bias. The maximum responsivity and detectivity are 47.98 μA/W and 4.642 × 109 Jones, respectively. The performance of the device is mainly attributed to this unique sandwich structure. The NiO and SnO2 layers avoid direct contact between the ZnO and the electrode, effectively suppressing the influence of persistent photoconductivity of ZnO film. And the stepped energy level structure makes the transport of photo generated carriers smooth. The obtained results provide new ideas and corresponding data basis for the subsequent study of high-performance ZnO based photodetectors.
Broadband terahertz detection and heterodyne mixing in a TaIrTe4/graphene heterojunction
Xiaokai Pan, Yichong Zhang, Xianghu Wang, Li Han, Xiaofang Wang, Lin Wang
, Available online  

doi: 10.1088/1674-4926/26050017

Terahertz (THz) detection finds broad application in communications, imaging, astronomy, and biomedicine, imposing core requirements for broadband operation, high speed, and high sensitivity. Two-dimensional topological semimetals with superior optoelectronic properties hold significant promise for improving sensitivity, response speed, and signal-to-noise ratio. Here, a TaIrTe4/graphene heterojunction detector based on the type-II Weyl semimetal TaIrTe4 is constructed. Under zero external bias, the device generates a photocurrent via the photothermoelectric (PTE) effect driven jointly by an asymmetric Seebeck coefficient and a built-in temperature gradient, enabling high-performance THz detection. The device covers a broad spectral range of 0.02−0.31 THz, achieves a peak current responsivity of 1.84 A/W, a minimum noise-equivalent power (NEP) of 30 pW·Hz–1/2, and a response time below 300 ns. It also supports heterodyne detection, sensing weak signals from a radio-frequency (RF) source with output power below –25 dBm, and exhibits a linear dynamic range exceeding 35 dB. These results underscore the importance of exploring topological semimetals for the development of broadband, high-speed, and high-sensitivity THz detectors.

Terahertz (THz) detection finds broad application in communications, imaging, astronomy, and biomedicine, imposing core requirements for broadband operation, high speed, and high sensitivity. Two-dimensional topological semimetals with superior optoelectronic properties hold significant promise for improving sensitivity, response speed, and signal-to-noise ratio. Here, a TaIrTe4/graphene heterojunction detector based on the type-II Weyl semimetal TaIrTe4 is constructed. Under zero external bias, the device generates a photocurrent via the photothermoelectric (PTE) effect driven jointly by an asymmetric Seebeck coefficient and a built-in temperature gradient, enabling high-performance THz detection. The device covers a broad spectral range of 0.02−0.31 THz, achieves a peak current responsivity of 1.84 A/W, a minimum noise-equivalent power (NEP) of 30 pW·Hz–1/2, and a response time below 300 ns. It also supports heterodyne detection, sensing weak signals from a radio-frequency (RF) source with output power below –25 dBm, and exhibits a linear dynamic range exceeding 35 dB. These results underscore the importance of exploring topological semimetals for the development of broadband, high-speed, and high-sensitivity THz detectors.
High-performance flexible self-powered solar-blind photodetector based on α-Ga2O3/CuSCN heterojunction
Songyan Zhao, Hao Wang, Wanping Su, Pei Wang, Huixin Chen, Luna Yang, Feng Teng, Peng Hu, Haibo Fan
, Available online  

doi: 10.1088/1674-4926/26080002

Flexible, self-powered, solar-blind ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors hold substantial promise for applications in sensing and wearable optoelectronics. In conventional Ga2O3 based photoelectrochemical (PEC) devices, carrier leakage at the semiconductor/electrolyte interface results in severe carrier recombination, which restricts the responsivity and severely impedes the practical deployment of such photodetectors. In addition to the aforementioned constraints, conventional rigid substrates severely hinder the translation of these materials into flexible and wearable device platforms. In this study, a PEC photodetector based on an n-α-Ga2O3/p-CuSCN heterojunction nanoarray was fabricated on a flexible Ti substrate. Vertically aligned α-Ga2O3 nanorod arrays were first prepared, followed by the introduction of CuSCN with varying loadings via controlled electrodeposition time. Under zero bias and 254 nm UV illumination, the optimized device achieved a photocurrent density of 63.42 μA∙cm-2, which is approximately 4.2 times that of the pristine α-Ga2O3 device. The corresponding responsivity reached 21.14 mA∙W-1, respectively. The intrinsic α-Ga2O3/electrolyte junction provides the baseline zero-bias PEC response, while the α-Ga2O3/CuSCN heterojunction acts as an auxiliary enhancement pathway by promoting photocarrier separation and selective hole transport, which facilitates efficient spatial separation of photogenerated charge carriers. Moreover, bending tests and repeated cycling experiments demonstrated the robust mechanical stability of the device. This work underscores the considerable potential of Ga2O3-based PEC photodetectors for future flexible, self-powered solar-blind UV detection applications.

Flexible, self-powered, solar-blind ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors hold substantial promise for applications in sensing and wearable optoelectronics. In conventional Ga2O3 based photoelectrochemical (PEC) devices, carrier leakage at the semiconductor/electrolyte interface results in severe carrier recombination, which restricts the responsivity and severely impedes the practical deployment of such photodetectors. In addition to the aforementioned constraints, conventional rigid substrates severely hinder the translation of these materials into flexible and wearable device platforms. In this study, a PEC photodetector based on an n-α-Ga2O3/p-CuSCN heterojunction nanoarray was fabricated on a flexible Ti substrate. Vertically aligned α-Ga2O3 nanorod arrays were first prepared, followed by the introduction of CuSCN with varying loadings via controlled electrodeposition time. Under zero bias and 254 nm UV illumination, the optimized device achieved a photocurrent density of 63.42 μA∙cm-2, which is approximately 4.2 times that of the pristine α-Ga2O3 device. The corresponding responsivity reached 21.14 mA∙W-1, respectively. The intrinsic α-Ga2O3/electrolyte junction provides the baseline zero-bias PEC response, while the α-Ga2O3/CuSCN heterojunction acts as an auxiliary enhancement pathway by promoting photocarrier separation and selective hole transport, which facilitates efficient spatial separation of photogenerated charge carriers. Moreover, bending tests and repeated cycling experiments demonstrated the robust mechanical stability of the device. This work underscores the considerable potential of Ga2O3-based PEC photodetectors for future flexible, self-powered solar-blind UV detection applications.
Mitigation of substrate bias effect by front-side local Si removal in GaN-on-Si HEMTs
Yifan Yan, Ang Li, Guohao Yu, Bohan Guo, Zhidong Wu, Runxian Xing, Jiaan Zhou, An Yang, Jinxia Jiang, Bosen Liu, Yingfei Sun, Wenkui Lin, Zhongming Zeng, Baoshun Zhang
, Available online  

doi: 10.1088/1674-4926/26070020

GaN-on-Si HEMTs used for monolithic power integration suffer from substrate-bias-induced threshold-voltage shifts and saturation-current degradation. In this work, conventional, front-side local Si removed (FSR), and dielectric-filled FSR (Filled) devices are fabricated on the same commercial GaN-on-Si platform without backside-aligned processing. Under a substrate bias of -200 V, the conventional devices show a threshold-voltage (Vth) shift of 7.34 V and an 88% saturation-current (Isat) degradation, whereas the FSR and Filled devices show Vth shifts of 0.35 and 0.11 V with Isat degradations of 9% and 3%, respectively. Static and dynamic substrate-bias stress measurements further indicated reduced bias sensitivity of the FSR-based structures within the tested conditions. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that interrupting the local Si conduction path beneath the active region can mitigate substrate-bias-induced degradation.

GaN-on-Si HEMTs used for monolithic power integration suffer from substrate-bias-induced threshold-voltage shifts and saturation-current degradation. In this work, conventional, front-side local Si removed (FSR), and dielectric-filled FSR (Filled) devices are fabricated on the same commercial GaN-on-Si platform without backside-aligned processing. Under a substrate bias of -200 V, the conventional devices show a threshold-voltage (Vth) shift of 7.34 V and an 88% saturation-current (Isat) degradation, whereas the FSR and Filled devices show Vth shifts of 0.35 and 0.11 V with Isat degradations of 9% and 3%, respectively. Static and dynamic substrate-bias stress measurements further indicated reduced bias sensitivity of the FSR-based structures within the tested conditions. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that interrupting the local Si conduction path beneath the active region can mitigate substrate-bias-induced degradation.
Sparse wafer metrology for semiconductor process control with physics-informed diagnostics
Hua Zhang, Yingtao Guo, Longhua Liu, Zhigang Song, Wanhua Zheng
, Available online  

doi: 10.1088/1674-4926/26070009

Production-compatible wafer-thickness metrology often samples fewer than ten sites per wafer, limiting process-control decisions. This work evaluates what such sparse measurements can support, when physics priors add value, and where additional measurements are needed. We combine MOCVD and MBE simulators, leakage-safe Polynomial Ridge and XGBoost predictors, and a physics-informed Kolmogorov-Arnold Network (PI-KAN) with a weak transport-diffusion residual. Eleven reconstruction methods are tested on public wafer data comprising MOVPE/AlN, hBN, and OpenMV silicon wafers. For OpenMV mean-thickness screening, Polynomial Ridge and XGBoost reach test $R^2 \geq 0.996$ with $C_{pk} \geq 2.63$; these high values largely reflect the known eight-site mean baseline, and the incremental ML improvement is 0.050–0.053 nm. On the MOVPE benchmark, Quadratic Ridge and Gaussian Process tie for the best protocol-summary score, while PI-KAN ranks lower but supplies diagnostic value: its PDE residual correlates with reconstruction error ($\rho = 0.698$, $p = 0.008$), and model-disagreement signals correlate with held-out error. The results support an offline tiered metrology strategy: classical baselines for screening, physics-regularized overlays for diagnosis, and triggered measurements for local edge or anomaly decisions.

Production-compatible wafer-thickness metrology often samples fewer than ten sites per wafer, limiting process-control decisions. This work evaluates what such sparse measurements can support, when physics priors add value, and where additional measurements are needed. We combine MOCVD and MBE simulators, leakage-safe Polynomial Ridge and XGBoost predictors, and a physics-informed Kolmogorov-Arnold Network (PI-KAN) with a weak transport-diffusion residual. Eleven reconstruction methods are tested on public wafer data comprising MOVPE/AlN, hBN, and OpenMV silicon wafers. For OpenMV mean-thickness screening, Polynomial Ridge and XGBoost reach test $R^2 \geq 0.996$ with $C_{pk} \geq 2.63$; these high values largely reflect the known eight-site mean baseline, and the incremental ML improvement is 0.050–0.053 nm. On the MOVPE benchmark, Quadratic Ridge and Gaussian Process tie for the best protocol-summary score, while PI-KAN ranks lower but supplies diagnostic value: its PDE residual correlates with reconstruction error ($\rho = 0.698$, $p = 0.008$), and model-disagreement signals correlate with held-out error. The results support an offline tiered metrology strategy: classical baselines for screening, physics-regularized overlays for diagnosis, and triggered measurements for local edge or anomaly decisions.
Broadband near-infrared optoelectronic synaptic TFTs enabled by Ag2S QDs/IGZO composite-channels
Junchang Wang, Hongyu Chen, Wanlin Zhang, Junyan Ren, Liqiang Zhu, Yiting Cheng, Yuting Xiong, Wangying Xu, Lingyan Liang, Hongtao Cao
, Available online  

doi: 10.1088/1674-4926/26060020

The von Neumann architecture faces significant challenges in efficiently processing large-scale image data due to the physical separation of memory and processing units. Inspired by the integrated memory-computing functionality of biological synapses and the quantum confinement effect of silver sulfide quantum dots (Ag2S QDs), we develop a novel synaptic thin-film transistor with a composite-channel structure. This structure incorporates Ag2S QDs between two indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) layers, forming a “sandwich” configuration. This design not only preserves the excellent electrical properties of IGZO but also extends the photoresponse range from ultraviolet to near-infrared (350−950 nm) by utilizing the broadband optical absorption characteristics of Ag2S QDs. The resulting composite-channel devices exhibit remarkable persistent photoconductivity (PPC) and satisfactory responsivity, thereby giving rise to excellent synaptic characteristics. These include paired-pulse facilitation, the transition from short-term plasticity to long-term plasticity, and associative learning demonstrated through optoelectronic synergy in a Pavlovian conditioning experiment. Furthermore, we validated the practical utility of our synaptic devices through handwritten digit recognition. The devices successfully demonstrated effective modulation of synaptic weights via light-pulse stimulation and voltage-pulse erasure, achieving a recognition accuracy of up to 90.21%. This work provides a feasible strategy for developing broadband optoelectronic synaptic devices for neuromorphic computing applications.

The von Neumann architecture faces significant challenges in efficiently processing large-scale image data due to the physical separation of memory and processing units. Inspired by the integrated memory-computing functionality of biological synapses and the quantum confinement effect of silver sulfide quantum dots (Ag2S QDs), we develop a novel synaptic thin-film transistor with a composite-channel structure. This structure incorporates Ag2S QDs between two indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) layers, forming a “sandwich” configuration. This design not only preserves the excellent electrical properties of IGZO but also extends the photoresponse range from ultraviolet to near-infrared (350−950 nm) by utilizing the broadband optical absorption characteristics of Ag2S QDs. The resulting composite-channel devices exhibit remarkable persistent photoconductivity (PPC) and satisfactory responsivity, thereby giving rise to excellent synaptic characteristics. These include paired-pulse facilitation, the transition from short-term plasticity to long-term plasticity, and associative learning demonstrated through optoelectronic synergy in a Pavlovian conditioning experiment. Furthermore, we validated the practical utility of our synaptic devices through handwritten digit recognition. The devices successfully demonstrated effective modulation of synaptic weights via light-pulse stimulation and voltage-pulse erasure, achieving a recognition accuracy of up to 90.21%. This work provides a feasible strategy for developing broadband optoelectronic synaptic devices for neuromorphic computing applications.
Process integration and structural characterization of three−stacked gate−all−around nanosheet pFETs
Yanpeng Song, Hongxiao Lin, Guangxing Wan, Xiaomeng Liu, Zhenzhen Kong, Junjie Li, Xinhe Wang, Hailing Wang, Zhaoqiang Bai, Xiangsheng Wang, Ying Zhang, Yiwen Zhang, Huilong Zhu, Chao Zhao, Guilei Wang
, Available online  

doi: 10.1088/1674-4926/26010046

Recent advancements in strain engineering of Gate−All−Around (GAA) nanosheets (NSs) make the SiGe−cladded Si channel a promising architecture for sub−3 nm logic nodes. In this work, we realize the controllable fabrication of three−stacked hexagonal SiGe−cladded Si NSs via optimized epitaxial growth and selective dry etching processes. Systematic structural characterizations including SEM, TEM and EDS confirm that the epitaxially grown SiGe cladding layer possesses excellent crystallinity and forms sharp, defect−free interfaces with the Si core, which is essential for high quality carrier transport. Beyond empirical process tuning, we further elaborate the underlying mechanism of selective etching kinetics and morphological evolution, and analyze the compressive strain modulation induced by the SiGe cladding structure. This work clarifies the critical process window for scalable three−layer stacking construction, and provides fundamental insights into process optimization, structural regulation and strain engineering for high−yield integration of next−generation GAA NS devices.

Recent advancements in strain engineering of Gate−All−Around (GAA) nanosheets (NSs) make the SiGe−cladded Si channel a promising architecture for sub−3 nm logic nodes. In this work, we realize the controllable fabrication of three−stacked hexagonal SiGe−cladded Si NSs via optimized epitaxial growth and selective dry etching processes. Systematic structural characterizations including SEM, TEM and EDS confirm that the epitaxially grown SiGe cladding layer possesses excellent crystallinity and forms sharp, defect−free interfaces with the Si core, which is essential for high quality carrier transport. Beyond empirical process tuning, we further elaborate the underlying mechanism of selective etching kinetics and morphological evolution, and analyze the compressive strain modulation induced by the SiGe cladding structure. This work clarifies the critical process window for scalable three−layer stacking construction, and provides fundamental insights into process optimization, structural regulation and strain engineering for high−yield integration of next−generation GAA NS devices.
Design and optimization of vertical GaN double-diffused base MOSFET enabling high-power switching
Ashrafun Naher Pinky, Thomas Ebel, Robert Plikat, Samaneh Sharbati
, Available online  

doi: 10.1088/1674-4926/25110014

This article presents the design of a Vertical GaN Trench MOSFET featuring a Double-Diffused Base (DDB-TMOS) with an in-depth analysis of its device physics. The introduction of a lightly doped p– GaN layer, where the channel forms, helps lower the potential barrier, improving electron transport from the n+ source into the n-drift region. The simulation study of the DDB-TMOS achieves a substantial reduction in threshold voltage from 10 V to 2.88 V, while the maximum current density increases from 9 kA/cm2 to 21 kA/cm2. As a result of structural optimization, the specific ON-resistance markedly decreases from 5.15 mΩ·cm2 to 1.61 mΩ·cm2. Additionally, the switching behavior of the device was systematically analyzed. The reduced base doping beneath the gate oxide led to a notable decrease in the gate-source capacitance by a factor of 1.2, decreasing the turn-on switching loss from 42 µJ/cm2 to 12 µJ/cm2. Following comprehensive static and dynamic analysis, the figure of merits (FOMs) were employed to optimize the device structure. The Baliga’s figure of merit increased from 0.68 to 2.35 GW/cm2, while the switching figure of merit improved from 4.49 to 16 GHz/cm2. This study confirms that the optimized DDB-TMOS is highly promising for future high-power switching applications.

This article presents the design of a Vertical GaN Trench MOSFET featuring a Double-Diffused Base (DDB-TMOS) with an in-depth analysis of its device physics. The introduction of a lightly doped p– GaN layer, where the channel forms, helps lower the potential barrier, improving electron transport from the n+ source into the n-drift region. The simulation study of the DDB-TMOS achieves a substantial reduction in threshold voltage from 10 V to 2.88 V, while the maximum current density increases from 9 kA/cm2 to 21 kA/cm2. As a result of structural optimization, the specific ON-resistance markedly decreases from 5.15 mΩ·cm2 to 1.61 mΩ·cm2. Additionally, the switching behavior of the device was systematically analyzed. The reduced base doping beneath the gate oxide led to a notable decrease in the gate-source capacitance by a factor of 1.2, decreasing the turn-on switching loss from 42 µJ/cm2 to 12 µJ/cm2. Following comprehensive static and dynamic analysis, the figure of merits (FOMs) were employed to optimize the device structure. The Baliga’s figure of merit increased from 0.68 to 2.35 GW/cm2, while the switching figure of merit improved from 4.49 to 16 GHz/cm2. This study confirms that the optimized DDB-TMOS is highly promising for future high-power switching applications.
Deep-mesa-terminated β-Ga2O3 Junction Barrier Schottky Diodes with Suppressed Reverse Leakage Current
Shengliang Cheng, Xing Lu, Shiyu Zhang, Yiming Zhang, Paiwen Fang, Mingxian Luo, Huichao Hu, Rui Zhou, Rui Xie, Haowen Luo, Huaxing Jiang, Zhisheng Wu, Jun Liang, Zimin Chen, Gang Wang, Yanli Pei
, Available online  

doi: 10.1088/1674-4926/26050007

This work reports deep-mesa-terminated β-Ga2O3 junction barrier Schottky (Mesa-JBS) diodes that achieve high breakdown voltage (BV) and ultralow reverse leakage current. The proposed architecture integrates a micron-scale deep mesa termination to suppress edge-induced leakage current with a buried p-NiO heterojunction beneath the anode to electrostatically suppress Schottky barrier tunneling, thereby mitigating both edge-related and Schottky-barrier tunneling leakage pathways. Small-area devices (0.2 × 0.2 mm2) exhibit a BV of 1.96 kV with a reverse leakage current density below 10–5 A/cm2 at 1 kV. To demonstrate scalability, large-area Mesa-JBS diodes (2 × 2 mm2) were fabricated and packaged for high-current operation. These devices deliver a forward current of 3.8 A at 3 V while sustaining a BV of up to 1.2 kV, with reverse leakage currents below 20 nA (approximately 1×10–6 A/cm2) at 1 kV. These results establish deep-mesa-terminated JBS diodes as a promising and scalable solution for high-voltage, low-loss β-Ga2O3 power rectifiers.

This work reports deep-mesa-terminated β-Ga2O3 junction barrier Schottky (Mesa-JBS) diodes that achieve high breakdown voltage (BV) and ultralow reverse leakage current. The proposed architecture integrates a micron-scale deep mesa termination to suppress edge-induced leakage current with a buried p-NiO heterojunction beneath the anode to electrostatically suppress Schottky barrier tunneling, thereby mitigating both edge-related and Schottky-barrier tunneling leakage pathways. Small-area devices (0.2 × 0.2 mm2) exhibit a BV of 1.96 kV with a reverse leakage current density below 10–5 A/cm2 at 1 kV. To demonstrate scalability, large-area Mesa-JBS diodes (2 × 2 mm2) were fabricated and packaged for high-current operation. These devices deliver a forward current of 3.8 A at 3 V while sustaining a BV of up to 1.2 kV, with reverse leakage currents below 20 nA (approximately 1×10–6 A/cm2) at 1 kV. These results establish deep-mesa-terminated JBS diodes as a promising and scalable solution for high-voltage, low-loss β-Ga2O3 power rectifiers.
Improving the surface passivation of p-type HgCdTe by optimizing the CdTe film deposition rate
Xiaochi Tai, Bisong Tan, Yan Chen, Haoran Yan, Jian Wang, Yahui Wang, Wenxin Li, Dongyang Zhao, Hanxue Jiao, Xudong Wang, Junhao Chu, Jianlu Wang
, Available online  

doi: 10.1088/1674-4926/26040022

Surface passivation is critical for HgCdTe infrared detectors. CdTe films are widely used to passivate HgCdTe surfaces owing to their close lattice match. However, achieving high-quality CdTe films for passivation remains challenging. In this study, CdTe films were deposited onto p-type HgCdTe by electron beam evaporation (EBE) at varied deposition rates, and the influence of post-deposition annealing was also assessed. Film quality and interfacial properties were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and capacitance–voltage (C–V) measurements. Low deposition rates without annealing produced denser, smoother films, whereas higher rates followed by annealing led to rougher surfaces. Electrically, when deposited at lowest rate without annealing, the fixed charge density reaches 1.138 × 1011 cm–2, the slow interface-state density reaches 1.067 × 1011 cm–2 and the fast interface-state density reaches 2.807 × 1010 cm–2·eV–1. These results underscore the importance of CdTe deposition-rate control for optimizing passivation of p-type HgCdTe.

Surface passivation is critical for HgCdTe infrared detectors. CdTe films are widely used to passivate HgCdTe surfaces owing to their close lattice match. However, achieving high-quality CdTe films for passivation remains challenging. In this study, CdTe films were deposited onto p-type HgCdTe by electron beam evaporation (EBE) at varied deposition rates, and the influence of post-deposition annealing was also assessed. Film quality and interfacial properties were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and capacitance–voltage (C–V) measurements. Low deposition rates without annealing produced denser, smoother films, whereas higher rates followed by annealing led to rougher surfaces. Electrically, when deposited at lowest rate without annealing, the fixed charge density reaches 1.138 × 1011 cm–2, the slow interface-state density reaches 1.067 × 1011 cm–2 and the fast interface-state density reaches 2.807 × 1010 cm–2·eV–1. These results underscore the importance of CdTe deposition-rate control for optimizing passivation of p-type HgCdTe.
Charge balance strategy for stable QLEDs: p-type doping design in quantum dot shells
Yang Huang, Yangzhi Tan, Zhongyuan Guan, Yiguo Xu, Lars Samuelson, Kai Wang, Xiao Wei Sun
, Available online  

doi: 10.1088/1674-4926/26030050

The efficiency degradation of quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) is tied to dynamic charge imbalance in hybrid architectures, where excess electron accumulation in quantum dots (QDs) enhances non-radiative recombination and interfacial degradation. To address this, we propose a charge balance strategy via p-type-like doping modulation of QD shells. First-principles calculations on ZnS-shelled QDs identify sodium as the most favorable acceptor among the dopants considered in this work, owing to its shallow acceptor levels and minimal lattice distortion compared with copper and potassium, which are associated with deep mid-gap states and pronounced structural distortion, respectively. Further analysis of the InP-based QD density of states combined with device simulations shows that acceptor engineering of the ZnS shell enhances hole injection. By improving the simulated charge balance, this strategy is expected to suppress nonradiative Auger-Meitner recombination within the QDs and reduce electron leakage into the HTL, thereby potentially mitigating charge-imbalance-related interfacial losses; however, explicit degradation or lifetime simulations are not included in the present work. Experimental realization requires overcoming nanocrystal self-purification and dopant localization through molecular engineering of surface ligands. This work emphasizes quantum-confined doping effects, carrier dynamics, and interfacial energy alignment for balanced charge transport.

The efficiency degradation of quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) is tied to dynamic charge imbalance in hybrid architectures, where excess electron accumulation in quantum dots (QDs) enhances non-radiative recombination and interfacial degradation. To address this, we propose a charge balance strategy via p-type-like doping modulation of QD shells. First-principles calculations on ZnS-shelled QDs identify sodium as the most favorable acceptor among the dopants considered in this work, owing to its shallow acceptor levels and minimal lattice distortion compared with copper and potassium, which are associated with deep mid-gap states and pronounced structural distortion, respectively. Further analysis of the InP-based QD density of states combined with device simulations shows that acceptor engineering of the ZnS shell enhances hole injection. By improving the simulated charge balance, this strategy is expected to suppress nonradiative Auger-Meitner recombination within the QDs and reduce electron leakage into the HTL, thereby potentially mitigating charge-imbalance-related interfacial losses; however, explicit degradation or lifetime simulations are not included in the present work. Experimental realization requires overcoming nanocrystal self-purification and dopant localization through molecular engineering of surface ligands. This work emphasizes quantum-confined doping effects, carrier dynamics, and interfacial energy alignment for balanced charge transport.
Enhanced breakdown performance in copolymer-based Schottky junctions through doping-induced bandgap broadening effect
Hengdian Chang, Jun Zhang, Qiushi Zhang, Haonan Lin, Haowen Qian, Jiafei Yao, Kemeng Yang, Jing Chen, Man Li, Wen Li, Mingdong Yi, Song Bai, Yufeng Guo
, Available online  

doi: 10.1088/1674-4926/26050021

Copolymer organic semiconductors (OSCs) are promising for flexible and low-cost electronics. Although doping is commonly used to improve their charge transport properties, its effect on breakdown behavior remains unclear. This work systematically investigates the breakdown characteristics of doped copolymer-based Schottky junctions, employing two representative copolymers and dopants with distinct mechanisms. The results reveal that doping leads to an enhancement in breakdown voltage (BV), which contradicts the behavior of conventional semiconductors. Concurrently, the reduced Schottky barrier height accounts for the observed increase in leakage current. Subsequently, through UV-VIS-NIR absorption spectroscopy, we uncover the doping-induced bandgap broadening (DBB) effect, which raises the energy threshold for impact ionization and thereby accounts for the enhanced BV. To bridge the device performance with DBB effect, SILVACO simulations are employed, and the simulation results confirm that the DBB effect is pivotal to the enhanced BV. This work provides new insights into the doping modulated breakdown mechanism in copolymer OSCs and highlights their potential for high performance organic power devices.

Copolymer organic semiconductors (OSCs) are promising for flexible and low-cost electronics. Although doping is commonly used to improve their charge transport properties, its effect on breakdown behavior remains unclear. This work systematically investigates the breakdown characteristics of doped copolymer-based Schottky junctions, employing two representative copolymers and dopants with distinct mechanisms. The results reveal that doping leads to an enhancement in breakdown voltage (BV), which contradicts the behavior of conventional semiconductors. Concurrently, the reduced Schottky barrier height accounts for the observed increase in leakage current. Subsequently, through UV-VIS-NIR absorption spectroscopy, we uncover the doping-induced bandgap broadening (DBB) effect, which raises the energy threshold for impact ionization and thereby accounts for the enhanced BV. To bridge the device performance with DBB effect, SILVACO simulations are employed, and the simulation results confirm that the DBB effect is pivotal to the enhanced BV. This work provides new insights into the doping modulated breakdown mechanism in copolymer OSCs and highlights their potential for high performance organic power devices.
Low-temperature mid-infrared photoluminescence of InAsP nanowires
Ratmir Ustimenko, Vladimir Fedorov, Danila Karaulov, Maksim Vinnichenko, Andrey Kaveev, Demid Kirilenko, Dmitry Miniv, Alexander Pavlov, David Hayrapetyan, Ivan Mukhin, Dmitry Firsov
, Available online  

doi: 10.1088/1674-4926/26040048

Nanowires of narrow bandgap III–V semiconductors are very promising for efficient light-emitting and photosensitive devices operating in the mid-infrared spectrum range. Low-temperature infrared photoluminescence spectra of InAs and InAsP nanowires, including CaF2-passivated InAsP nanowires grown on a silicon substrate, were studied. The features in the spectra of InAsP nanowires were explained by the formation of a random close-packed stacking crystal structure with a predominance of the hexagonal (wurtzite) phase in nanowires and non-uniform distribution of stacking faults along their growth axis, as well as by radiation from parasitic bulk islands with the sphalerite phase. In structures without surface passivation, a red shift of spectrum was observed with increasing lattice temperature, consistent with the temperature dependence of the band gap. Passivation of the surface of InAsP nanowires using CaF2 leads to a nontrivial behavior of the spectral position of the photoluminescence intensity maximum due to a decrease in the contribution of surface states to nonradiative recombination at temperatures below 77 K. Moreover, it is shown that passivation allows to observe a photoluminescence signal at higher lattice temperatures compared to nonpassivated structures. The pump power dependence demonstrated a blue shift of the spectrum with increasing optical power, attributed to the band-filling effect (shift in the quasi-Fermi level)

Nanowires of narrow bandgap III–V semiconductors are very promising for efficient light-emitting and photosensitive devices operating in the mid-infrared spectrum range. Low-temperature infrared photoluminescence spectra of InAs and InAsP nanowires, including CaF2-passivated InAsP nanowires grown on a silicon substrate, were studied. The features in the spectra of InAsP nanowires were explained by the formation of a random close-packed stacking crystal structure with a predominance of the hexagonal (wurtzite) phase in nanowires and non-uniform distribution of stacking faults along their growth axis, as well as by radiation from parasitic bulk islands with the sphalerite phase. In structures without surface passivation, a red shift of spectrum was observed with increasing lattice temperature, consistent with the temperature dependence of the band gap. Passivation of the surface of InAsP nanowires using CaF2 leads to a nontrivial behavior of the spectral position of the photoluminescence intensity maximum due to a decrease in the contribution of surface states to nonradiative recombination at temperatures below 77 K. Moreover, it is shown that passivation allows to observe a photoluminescence signal at higher lattice temperatures compared to nonpassivated structures. The pump power dependence demonstrated a blue shift of the spectrum with increasing optical power, attributed to the band-filling effect (shift in the quasi-Fermi level)
Suppression of imprint effect in AlScN-based ferroelectric capacitors and dynamic response for image recognition acceleration
Haiming Qin, Ping Xue, Cong Han, Rui Hu, Weijing Shao, Nan He, Hao Zhang, Yunzhou Shi, Dayu Zhou, Yu Wang, Xinpeng Wang, Yi Tong
, Available online  

doi: 10.1088/1674-4926/26050048

Aluminum scandium nitride (AlScN) features large remanent polarization (Pr) and high Curie temperature (TC), making it highly promising for next-generation nonvolatile memory and neuromorphic devices. However, the imprint-induced electrical asymmetry severely limits their practical application. Here, we fabricate Mo/Al0.8Sc0.2N/Mo ferroelectric capacitors (FeCap) via continuous in-situ magnetron sputtering. Characterization and measurements reveal a pronounced imprint effect, which is closely related to the lattice mismatch near the bottom electrode (BE). A serial configuration with shared BE was proposed that naturally forms a differential pair, compensating for the built-in voltage (Vbi). Then devices can achieve symmetric consecutive cycles, with the retention time of 105 s, and the breakdown-to-coercive-voltage ratio (VBD/VC) of 1.20. Leveraging their dynamic response, we design an architecture of FeCap integrated with a shallow convolutional neural network (CNN). It can achieve background suppression and edge enhancement of the Fashion MNIST dataset at FeCap. CNN only undertakes feature fusion and classification tasks, thus significantly reducing the computational complexity. The recognition accuracy of 94.31% can be achieved after only 30 epochs. This work provides an effective approach for imprint suppression and demonstrates the potential of AlScN-based FeCap for image recognition acceleration.

Aluminum scandium nitride (AlScN) features large remanent polarization (Pr) and high Curie temperature (TC), making it highly promising for next-generation nonvolatile memory and neuromorphic devices. However, the imprint-induced electrical asymmetry severely limits their practical application. Here, we fabricate Mo/Al0.8Sc0.2N/Mo ferroelectric capacitors (FeCap) via continuous in-situ magnetron sputtering. Characterization and measurements reveal a pronounced imprint effect, which is closely related to the lattice mismatch near the bottom electrode (BE). A serial configuration with shared BE was proposed that naturally forms a differential pair, compensating for the built-in voltage (Vbi). Then devices can achieve symmetric consecutive cycles, with the retention time of 105 s, and the breakdown-to-coercive-voltage ratio (VBD/VC) of 1.20. Leveraging their dynamic response, we design an architecture of FeCap integrated with a shallow convolutional neural network (CNN). It can achieve background suppression and edge enhancement of the Fashion MNIST dataset at FeCap. CNN only undertakes feature fusion and classification tasks, thus significantly reducing the computational complexity. The recognition accuracy of 94.31% can be achieved after only 30 epochs. This work provides an effective approach for imprint suppression and demonstrates the potential of AlScN-based FeCap for image recognition acceleration.
Achieving high-yield 16 Kb SOT-MRAM array through ion-beam-etched profile control of MTJ cells
Zhenghui Ji, Guoxiu Qiu, Qijun Guo, Enlong Liu, Wenlong Yang, Qingxiu Li, Lei Zhao, Hengan Zhou, Dinggui Zeng, Shasha Wang, Weiming He, ShiKun He
, Available online  

doi: 10.1088/1674-4926/26040004

The mechanism of the etching process that ensures high yield in spin-orbit torque magnetic random-access memory (SOT-MRAM) featuring a novel channel-less (CHL) structure is systematically investigated in this paper. A steep sidewall morphology is identified as particularly favorable, and the precise relationship between the pillar profile and yield is established and thoroughly analyzed. When the step angle exceeds 80°, a larger net etching rate along the sidewall is achieved, enabling effective removal of metal residues near the tunnel barrier layer while minimizing plasma-induced damage at the MgO/CoFeB interface. The optimized devices exhibit an excellent thermal stability factor (Δ) of over 95 at room temperature, demonstrating superior operational reliability. Thanks to process optimizations targeting re-deposition removal, the in-die functional yield of the fabricated 16 Kb CHL SOT-MRAM array reaches an impressive 60 ppm. These advancements pave the way for high-yield and reliable mass production of SOT-MRAM devices.

The mechanism of the etching process that ensures high yield in spin-orbit torque magnetic random-access memory (SOT-MRAM) featuring a novel channel-less (CHL) structure is systematically investigated in this paper. A steep sidewall morphology is identified as particularly favorable, and the precise relationship between the pillar profile and yield is established and thoroughly analyzed. When the step angle exceeds 80°, a larger net etching rate along the sidewall is achieved, enabling effective removal of metal residues near the tunnel barrier layer while minimizing plasma-induced damage at the MgO/CoFeB interface. The optimized devices exhibit an excellent thermal stability factor (Δ) of over 95 at room temperature, demonstrating superior operational reliability. Thanks to process optimizations targeting re-deposition removal, the in-die functional yield of the fabricated 16 Kb CHL SOT-MRAM array reaches an impressive 60 ppm. These advancements pave the way for high-yield and reliable mass production of SOT-MRAM devices.
Anchored liquid metal brings lab-grade respiratory mechanics home
Qianrui Zhou, Zhen You, Feifei Lin, Shuang Qian, Huaizhi Qin, Weiwei Zhao
, Available online  

doi: 10.1088/1674-4926/26080004

Ultrafast valleytronics using short laser pulses
Xiaoheng Chen, Kaifeng Wu
, Available online  

doi: 10.1088/1674-4926/26050031

Composable neural emulators for accelerated device design and accurate performance prediction of thermoelectric generators
Xuan Zhang, Feifei Lin, Le Yao, Weiwei Zhao
, Available online  

doi: 10.1088/1674-4926/26070018

Neural networks have provided a feasible and efficient solution for accurately predicting and maximizing the performance of materials and devices. In this perspective, we highlight a neural emulator termed TEGNet, which achieves exceptional physical fidelity (>99%) and ultra-low latency (merely 0.01% of commercial solvers) while transcending the limitations of existing artificial intelligence (AI) models through a composable architecture. This is expected to provide an efficient solution for addressing the simulation failure of flexible TEGs caused by interface slip under deformation.

Neural networks have provided a feasible and efficient solution for accurately predicting and maximizing the performance of materials and devices. In this perspective, we highlight a neural emulator termed TEGNet, which achieves exceptional physical fidelity (>99%) and ultra-low latency (merely 0.01% of commercial solvers) while transcending the limitations of existing artificial intelligence (AI) models through a composable architecture. This is expected to provide an efficient solution for addressing the simulation failure of flexible TEGs caused by interface slip under deformation.
Metre-scale color prints woven from nanoscale light
Tao Jiang, Aoxi Yu, Leilei Liu, Shujuan Liu, Qiang Zhao
, Available online  

doi: 10.1088/1674-4926/26070013

The outward bridge of implanted medical devices: simultaneous wireless power and data transfer chip solutions
Quanrong Zhuang, Jie Lu, Zixu Wang, Qi’an Zhu, Yi Shi, Hao Qiu
, Available online  

doi: 10.1088/1674-4926/26070025

From device non-idealities to computation accuracy: A cross-layer review of error mechanisms and mitigation in analog in-memory computing
Zeying Ding, Yantong Di, Haoran Du, Haoran Chen, Yaoru Hou, Bo Liu, Hao Cai
, Available online  

doi: 10.1088/1674-4926/26060006

Analog in-memory computing (AIMC) has attracted significant attention as an energy-efficient computing paradigm for data-intensive workloads. However, its practical deployment is fundamentally limited by various non-idealities across multiple abstraction levels, which degrade computational accuracy and reliability. This paper presents a comprehensive review of non-idealities in AIMC systems from a cross-layer perspective. A common computational representation is introduced to illustrate how diverse physical non-idealities may manifest as weight perturbations, multiplicative distortions, nonlinear transfer effects, additive errors, and quantization or accumulation errors. From this perspective, we review design techniques across device, array, circuit, data-conversion, and system levels, and discuss how errors are generated, transformed, and accumulated throughout the computation flow. Furthermore, algorithm-hardware co-design strategies are discussed as an effective approach to mitigate cross-layer errors and enhance system robustness. By providing a structured overview of error generation, transformation, and propagation, this work highlights the importance of cross-layer co-design and offers insights into the design trade-offs among accuracy, efficiency, and scalability in AIMC systems.

Analog in-memory computing (AIMC) has attracted significant attention as an energy-efficient computing paradigm for data-intensive workloads. However, its practical deployment is fundamentally limited by various non-idealities across multiple abstraction levels, which degrade computational accuracy and reliability. This paper presents a comprehensive review of non-idealities in AIMC systems from a cross-layer perspective. A common computational representation is introduced to illustrate how diverse physical non-idealities may manifest as weight perturbations, multiplicative distortions, nonlinear transfer effects, additive errors, and quantization or accumulation errors. From this perspective, we review design techniques across device, array, circuit, data-conversion, and system levels, and discuss how errors are generated, transformed, and accumulated throughout the computation flow. Furthermore, algorithm-hardware co-design strategies are discussed as an effective approach to mitigate cross-layer errors and enhance system robustness. By providing a structured overview of error generation, transformation, and propagation, this work highlights the importance of cross-layer co-design and offers insights into the design trade-offs among accuracy, efficiency, and scalability in AIMC systems.
Broadband plasmonic organic-hybrid electro-optic modulator incorporating guest-host polymer
Yang Feng, Yang Du, Zhen Zhen, Yanmei Li, Rui Li, Qijie Xie, Lei Wang, Jingdong Luo, Xiaochuan Xu
, Available online  

doi: 10.1088/1674-4926/26070028