Metal-semimetal Schottky diode relying on quantum confinement

Farzan Gity, Lida Ansari, Christian König, Giuseppe Alessio Verni, Justin D. Holmes, Brenda Long, Martin Lanius, Peter Schüffelgen, Gregor Mussler, Detlev Grützmacher, J. C. Greer

Research output: Journal PublicationArticlepeer-review

18 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Quantum confinement in a semimetal thin film such as bismuth (Bi) can lead to a semimetal-to-semiconductor transition which allows for the use of semimetals as semiconductors when patterned at nanoscale lengths. Bi native oxide on Bi thin film grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) is investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to measure the elemental composition of the oxide. Also, an in-situ argon plasma etch step is developed allowing for the direct coating of the surface of thin Bi films by a metal contact to form a Schottky junction. Model structures of rhombohedral [111] and [110] bismuth thin films are found from density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The electronic structure of the model thin films is investigated using a GW correction and the formation of an energy band gap due to quantum confinement is found. Electrical characterization of the fabricated Bi-metal Schottky diode confirms a band gap opening in Bi thin film for a film thickness of approximately 5 nm consistent with the theoretical calculations.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)21-25
Number of pages5
JournalMicroelectronic Engineering
Volume195
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 5 Aug 2018

Keywords

  • Bismuth
  • Native oxide
  • Quantum confinement
  • Schottky junction
  • Semimetal
  • XPS

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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