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Showing papers on "Diode published in 1999"


Journal ArticleDOI
30 Jul 1999-Science
TL;DR: Improved materials would not only help to cool advanced electronics but could also provide energy benefits in refrigeration and when using waste heat to generate electrical power.
Abstract: In a typical thermoelectric device, a junction is formed from two different conducting materials, one containing positive charge carriers (holes) and the other negative charge carriers (electrons). When an electric current is passed in the appropriate direction through the junction, both types of charge carriers move away from the junction and convey heat away, thus cooling the junction. Similarly, a heat source at the junction causes carriers to flow away from the junction, making an electrical generator. Such devices have the advantage of containing no moving parts, but low efficiencies have limited their use to specialty applications, such as cooling laser diodes. The principles of thermoelectric devices are reviewed and strategies for increasing the efficiency of novel materials are explored. Improved materials would not only help to cool advanced electronics but could also provide energy benefits in refrigeration and when using waste heat to generate electrical power.

2,808 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The role of extended and point defects, and key impurities such as C, O, and H, on the electrical and optical properties of GaN is reviewed in this article, along with the influence of process-induced or grown-in defects and impurities on the device physics.
Abstract: The role of extended and point defects, and key impurities such as C, O, and H, on the electrical and optical properties of GaN is reviewed. Recent progress in the development of high reliability contacts, thermal processing, dry and wet etching techniques, implantation doping and isolation, and gate insulator technology is detailed. Finally, the performance of GaN-based electronic and photonic devices such as field effect transistors, UV detectors, laser diodes, and light-emitting diodes is covered, along with the influence of process-induced or grown-in defects and impurities on the device physics.

1,693 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
16 Dec 1999-Nature
TL;DR: In this article, the magnetic semiconductor BexMnyZn1-x-ySe is used as a spin aligner to inject spin-polarized charge into a non-magnetic semiconductor device.
Abstract: The field of magnetoelectronics has been growing in practical importance in recent years1 For example, devices that harness electronic spin—such as giant-magnetoresistive sensors and magnetoresistive memory cells—are now appearing on the market2 In contrast, magnetoelectronic devices based on spin-polarized transport in semiconductors are at a much earlier stage of development, largely because of the lack of an efficient means of injecting spin-polarized charge Much work has focused on the use of ferromagnetic metallic contacts3,4, but it has proved exceedingly difficult to demonstrate polarized spin injection More recently, two groups5,6 have reported successful spin injection from an NiFe contact, but the observed effects of the spin-polarized transport were quite small (resistance changes of less than 1%) Here we describe a different approach, in which the magnetic semiconductor BexMnyZn1-x-ySe is used as a spin aligner We achieve injection efficiencies of 90% spin-polarized current into a non-magnetic semiconductor device The device used in this case is a GaAs/AlGaAs light-emitting diode, and spin polarization is confirmed by the circular polarization state of the emitted light

1,650 citations


Patent
30 Nov 1999
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a method and apparatus for determining the operating wavelength of a light emitting element, such as a light emitting diode, within a given range by selecting their operating drive current.
Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention provides a system wherein light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can be tuned within a given range by selecting their operating drive current in order to obtain a precise wavelength. The present invention further provides a manner in which to calibrate and utilize an LED probe, such that the shift in wavelength for a known change in drive current is a known quantity. In general, the principle of wavelength shift for current drive changes for LEDs is utilized in order to allow better calibration and added flexibility in the use of LED sensors, particularly in applications when the precise wavelength is needed in order to obtain accurate measurements. The present invention also provides a system in which it is not necessary to know precise wavelengths of LEDs where precise wavelengths were needed in the past. Finally, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining the operating wavelength of a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode.

655 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a truncated-inverted-pyramid (TIP) chip geometry was proposed to decrease the mean photon path length within the crystal, and thus reduce the effects of internal loss mechanisms.
Abstract: A truncated-inverted-pyramid (TIP) chip geometry provides substantial improvement in light extraction efficiency over conventional AlGaInP/GaP chips of the same active junction area (∼0.25 mm2). The TIP geometry decreases the mean photon path-length within the crystal, and thus reduces the effects of internal loss mechanisms. By combining this improved device geometry with high-efficiency multiwell active layers, record-level performance for visible-spectrum light-emitting diodes is achieved. Peak efficiencies exceeding 100 lm/W are demonstrated (100 mA dc, 300 K) for orange-emitting (λp∼610 nm) devices, with a peak luminous flux of 60 lumens (350 mA dc, 300 K). In the red wavelength regime (λp∼650 nm), peak external quantum efficiencies of 55% and 60.9% are measured under direct current and pulsed operation, respectively (100 mA, 300 K).

511 citations


Patent
29 Mar 1999
TL;DR: In this article, a molecular wire crossbar memory (MWCM) system is provided. The MWCM comprises a two-dimensional array of a plurality of nanometer-scale devices, each device comprising a junction formed by a pair of crossed wires where one wire crosses another and at least one connector species connecting the pair of wires in the junction.
Abstract: A molecular wire crossbar memory (MWCM) system is provided. The MWCM comprises a two-dimensional array of a plurality of nanometer-scale devices, each device comprising a junction formed by a pair of crossed wires where one wire crosses another and at least one connector species connecting the pair of crossed wires in the junction. The connector species comprises a bi-stable molecular switch. The junction forms either a resistor or a diode or an asymmetric non-linear resistor. The junction has a state that is capable of being altered by application of a first voltage and sensed by application of a second, non-destructive voltage.

504 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
G.T. Liu, Andreas Stintz1, H. Li1, Kevin J. Malloy1, Luke F. Lester1 
TL;DR: In this paper, the lowest room-temperature threshold current density, 26 A/cm/sup 2 ), of any semiconductor diode laser was reported for a quantum dot device with a single InAs dot layer contained within a strained In/sub 0.85/As quantum well.
Abstract: The lowest room-temperature threshold current density, 26 A/cm/sup 2/, of any semiconductor diode lasers is reported for a quantum dot device with a single InAs dot layer contained within a strained In/sub 0.15/Ga/sub 0.85/As quantum well. The lasers are epitaxially grown on a GaAs substrate, and the emission wavelength is 1.25 /spl mu/m.

469 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe the design, fabrication, and measured characteristics of the high-power optically pumped-semiconductor (OPS) vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs).
Abstract: We describe the design, fabrication, and measured characteristics of the high-power optically pumped-semiconductor (OPS) vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs). Using diode laser pumping, we have recently demonstrated operation of such lasers, which for the first time generate high (watt-level) power and a circular Gaussian beam directly from a semiconductor laser. These OPS-VECSELs have a strain-compensated multi-quantum-well InGaAs-GaAsP-GaAs structure and operate CW near /spl lambda//spl sim/1004 nm with output power of 0.69 W in TEM/sub 11/ mode, 0.52 W in TEM/sub 00/ mode and 0.37 W coupled to a single-mode fiber. With multiple pump and gain elements, OPS-VCSEL technology is scalable to the multiwatt power levels. Such lasers will prove useful in a variety of applications requiring compact and efficient sources with high-power output in a single-mode fiber or with diffraction-limited beam quality.

389 citations


Patent
15 Dec 1999
TL;DR: In this paper, transistors and diodes are manufactured by ink-jet printing using a transfer member, and these electronic devices are used in addressing an electronic display, such as a display.
Abstract: Electronic devices such as transistors and diodes are manufactured by ink-jet printing using a transfer member. These electronic devices are used in addressing an electronic display.

341 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, solar-blind ultraviolet photodiodes with a band-edge wavelength of 285 nm were fabricated on laterally epitaxially overgrown GaN grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition.
Abstract: Solar-blind ultraviolet photodiodes with a band-edge wavelength of 285 nm were fabricated on laterally epitaxially overgrown GaN grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. Current–voltage measurements of the diodes exhibited dark current densities as low as 10 nA/cm2 at −5 V. Spectral response measurements revealed peak responsivities of up to 0.05 A/W. Response times for these diodes were measured to be as low as 4.5 ns for 90%-to-10% fall time. For comparison, diodes were fabricated using the same p–i–n structure deposited on dislocated GaN. These diodes had dark current densities many orders of magnitude higher, as well as a less sharp cutoff, and a significant slow tail under impulse excitation.

319 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: InGaN multi-quantum-well structure laser diodes formed on the GaN layer above the SiO2 mask area can have a lifetime of more than 10,000 hours and the localized energy states caused by In composition fluctuation in the In GaN active layer are related to the high efficiency of the InGaN-based emitting devices.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the optical characteristics of the first laser diodes fabricated from a single-InAs quantum-dot layer placed inside a strained InGaAs QW are described, and the saturated modal gain for this novel laser active region is found to be 9-10 cm/sup -1/ in the ground state.
Abstract: The optical characteristics of the first laser diodes fabricated from a single-InAs quantum-dot layer placed inside a strained InGaAs QW are described. The saturated modal gain for this novel laser active region is found to be 9-10 cm/sup -1/ in the ground state. Room temperature threshold current densities as low as 83 A/cm/sup 2/ for uncoated 1.24-/spl mu/m devices are measured, and operating wavelengths over a 190-nm span are demonstrated.

Patent
11 Aug 1999
TL;DR: In this article, a diode is formed in a container in an insulative structure layered on a substrate of an integrated circuit, and the container is then partially filled with a polysilicon material, by methods such as conformal deposition, leaving a generally vertical seam in the middle of the material.
Abstract: A method for manufacturing a diode having a relatively improved on-off ratio. The diode is formed in a container in an insulative structure layered on a substrate of an integrated circuit. The container is then partially filled with a polysilicon material, by methods such as conformal deposition, leaving a generally vertical seam in the middle of the polysilicon material. An insulative material is deposited in the seam. The polysilicon material is appropriately doped and electrical contacts and conductors are added as required. The diode can be coupled to a chalcogenide resistive element to create a chalcogenide memory cell.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a long-lifetime violet InGaN multi-quantum-well/GaN/AlGaN separate-confinement heterostructure laser diodes (LDs) were successfully fabricated using epitaxially laterally overgrown GaN by reducing a large number of threading dislocations originating from the interface between GaN and sapphire substrate.
Abstract: High-efficiency light-emitting diodes emitting amber, green, blue and ultraviolet light have been obtained through the use of InGaN active layers instead of GaN active layers. The localized energy states caused by In composition fluctuation in the InGaN active layer seem to be related to the high efficiency of the InGaN-based emitting devices. Long-lifetime violet InGaN multi-quantum-well/GaN/AlGaN separate-confinement heterostructure laser diodes (LDs) were successfully fabricated using epitaxially laterally overgrown GaN by reducing a large number of threading dislocations originating from the interface between GaN and sapphire substrate. The threading dislocations shorten the lifetime of the LDs through an increase of the threshold current density. The LDs with cleaved mirror facets showed an output power as high as 30 mW under room-temperature continuous-wave (CW) operation with a stable fundamental transverse mode. The lifetime of the LDs at a constant output power of 5 mW was estimated to be approximately 3000 h under CW operation at an ambient temperature of 50 °C. These results indicate that these LDs already can be used for many real applications, such as digital versatile disks, laser printers, sensors and exciting light sources as a commercial product with a high output power and a high reliability.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the present status of the rapidly developing field of semiconductor laser diodes based on self-organized quantum dots (QDs) is reviewed, and three applications of large commercial interest are discussed in detail: 1300nm QD laser on GaAs substrate, QD surface emitting lasers, and high power QD lasers.
Abstract: We review the present status of the rapidly developing field of semiconductor laser diodes based on self-organized quantum dots (QDs). Several milestones have been achieved since the first realization of such a device in 1994: above room-temperature cw operation, the lowest threshold current density of any semiconductor laser diode, high temperature stability, an extended wavelength range on GaAs substrate and high power operation. After a brief introduction we discuss the tremendous advances in epitaxial growth, device performance, and theoretical understanding of QD lasers. Three applications of large commercial interest are discussed in detail: 1300 nm QD lasers on GaAs substrate, QD surface emitting lasers, and high power QD lasers. Finally, we give an outlook on future developments.

Book
01 Jan 1999
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a detailed overview of Optoelectronic pn-Junction devices and their application in the field of device fabrication and packaging, and their reliability.
Abstract: Basics of Optoelectronic pn-Junction Devices. Light-Emitting Diodes. Laser Diodes. Photodiodes. Optical Modulators. Device Fabrication and Packaging. Reliability. Application of Optoelectronic pn-Junction Devices. Index.

Patent
13 Aug 1999
TL;DR: In this article, a memory cell incorporating a chalcogenide element and a method of making same is disclosed, where a doped silicon substrate is provided with two or more polysilicon plugs to form an array of diode memory cells.
Abstract: A memory cell incorporating a chalcogenide element and a method of making same is disclosed. In the method, a doped silicon substrate is provided with two or more polysilicon plugs to form an array of diode memory cells. A layer of silicon nitride is disposed over the plugs. Using a poly-spacer process, small pores are formed in the silicon nitride to expose a portion of the polysilicon plugs. A chalcogenide material is disposed in the pores by depositing a layer of chalcogenide material on the silicon nitride layer and planarizing the chalcogenide layer to the silicon nitride layer using CMP. A layer of TiN is next deposited over the plugs, followed by a metallization layer. The TiN and metallization layers are then masked and etched to define memory cell areas.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, 1 kV 4H and 6 h SiC Schottky diodes utilizing a metal-oxide overlap structure for electric field termination were fabricated using Ni-SiC ohmic contact formation.
Abstract: We have fabricated 1 kV 4H and 6H SiC Schottky diodes utilizing a metal-oxide overlap structure for electric field termination. This simple structure when used with a high barrier height metal such as Ni has consistently given us good yield of Schottky diodes with breakdown voltages in excess of 60% of the theoretically calculated value. This paper presents the design considerations, the fabrication procedure, and characterization results for these 1 kV Ni-SiC Schottky diodes. Comparison to similarly fabricated Pt-SiC Schottky diodes is reported. The Ni-SiC ohmic contact formation has been studied using Auger electron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The characterization study includes measurements of current-voltage (I-V) temperature and capacitance-voltage (C-V) temperature characteristics. The high-temperature performance of these diodes has also been investigated. The diodes show good rectifying behavior with ON/OFF current ratios, ranging from 10/sup 6/ to 10 at 27/spl deg/C and in excess of 10/sup 6/ up to 300/spl deg/C.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of surface defects on performance of kV-class 4H- and 6H-SiC epitaxial p-n junction diodes were investigated.
Abstract: Effects of surface defects on performance of kV-class 4H- and 6H-SiC epitaxial p-n junction diodes were investigated. The perimeter recombination and generation, instead of the bulk process, are responsible for forward recombination current and reverse leakage current of the diodes, respectively. Mapping studies of surface morphological defects have revealed that triangular-shaped defects severely degrade high-blocking capability of the diodes whereas shallow round pits and scratch give no direct impact. Device-killing defects in SiC epilayers are discussed based on breakdown voltage mapping. Effective minority carrier lifetimes are mainly limited not by bulk recombination but by perimeter recombination.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a transparent polycrystalline p-n heterojunctions on a glass substrate were fabricated and the structure of the diode was n+-ZnO electrode/n- ZnO/p-SrCu2O2/In2−xSnxO3 electrode on the substrate.
Abstract: All oxide-based, transparent polycrystalline p–n heterojunctions on a glass substrate were fabricated. The structure of the diode was n+-ZnO electrode/n-ZnO/p-SrCu2O2/In2−xSnxO3 electrode on the substrate. The contact between the n- and p-type semiconducting oxides was found to be rectifying. The ratio of forward current to the reverse current exceeded 80 within the range of applied voltages of −1.5 to +1.5 V and the estimated diode factor (n value) was 1.62. The diode structure was fabricated on a glass plate with the total thickness of 1.3 μm and possessed an optical transmission of 70%–80% in the visible region.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the characteristics of Pt Schottky diodes on n-type GaN in hydrogen and propane are reported for the first time, and they are able to detect hydrogen from 200-400°C.
Abstract: The characteristics of Pt Schottky diodes on n-type GaN in hydrogen and propane are reported for the first time. This response from 200–400°C has been characterized by current–voltage measurements, revealing that the diodes are able to detect hydrogen from 200–400°C and propane from 300–400°C. The high temperature stability of Pt diodes on GaN has been investigated by long term annealing at 400°C in Ar or 20% O2 in Ar. The diodes have been held at 400°C for 500 h without degradation of their electrical characteristics or response to hydrogen-containing gases.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, an empirical closed-form expression is presented to predict the avalanche breakdown voltage of wide band-gap semiconductors based on an approximation of the impact ionization coefficient in terms of the seventh power of the electric field.
Abstract: Applicability of GaN in unipolar and bipolar devices for high-power electronic applications is evaluated with respect to similar devices based on other materials. Specific resistance is used as a measure of unipolar performance. In order to evaluate bipolar performance, 700 and 6000 V p-i-n diodes based on Si, 6H-SiC, and GaN are compared with respect to forward conduction and reverse recovery performance at room temperature and high-temperature conditions. It is shown that GaN is advantageous not only for high voltage unipolar applications, but also for bipolar applications. An empirical closed-form expression is presented to predict the avalanche breakdown voltage of wide band-gap semiconductors. Formulation of the expression is based on an approximation of the impact ionization coefficient in terms of seventh power of the electric field.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a bipolar transport/emitting layer is proposed and implemented for making organic light-emitting diodes, and a significant improvement in device lifetime is attributed to the elimination of the heterointerface present in the conventional devices.
Abstract: A structure based on a bipolar transport/emitting layer is proposed and implemented for making organic light-emitting diodes. Compared to the conventional heterojunction organic light-emitting diodes, more than a factor of six improvement in device reliability (a projected operating lifetime of 70 000 h) is achieved in the structure. The significant improvement in device lifetime is attributed to the elimination of the heterointerface present in the conventional devices which greatly affects the device reliability.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, an organic light-emitting diodes have been fabricated using erbium tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) as the emitting layer and N, N′-diphenyl-N,N′-bis(3-methylphenyl)-1,1′-biphensyl-4,4′-Diamine as the hole-transporting layer.
Abstract: Organic light-emitting diodes have been fabricated using erbium tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) as the emitting layer and N, N′-diphenyl-N,N′-bis(3-methylphenyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4,4′-diamine as the hole-transporting layer. Room-temperature electroluminescence was observed at 1.54 μm due to intra-atomic transitions between the 4I13/2 and 4I15/2 levels in the Er3+ ion. These results suggest a possible route to producing a silicon-compatible 1.54 μm source technology.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a polymer (TPD-PPV) incorporating both efficient light-emitting and hole transporting moieties has been synthesized, which possesses excellent film-forming property, good thermal stability, and high electrochemical reversibility and stability.
Abstract: A polymer (TPD-PPV), incorporating both efficient light-emitting and hole transporting moieties has been synthesized. This polymer also possesses excellent film-forming property, good thermal stability, and high electrochemical reversibility and stability. The HOMO-LUMO energy levels were determined by cyclic voltammetry and UV-Vis measurement. The diode with the structure of ITO/CuPc/TPD-PPV/Al showed high rectification ratio (10 8 ) and low turn-on voltage (4.2 V). A bright green-yellow light-emission was observed in day-light under forward bias.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the results indicate the presence of different chemical forms of oxygen atoms (two types of O2-, OH-, organic oxygens and H2O) which evolve with surface treatment.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a combination of light scattering at a textured top surface and reflection on a backside mirror was proposed to achieve 22% external quantum efficiency of nonresonant cavity (NRC) light-emitting diodes.
Abstract: The external quantum efficiency of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is usually limited by total internal reflection at the semiconductor–air interface. This problem can be overcome by a combination of light scattering at a textured top surface and reflection on a backside mirror. With this design, we achieve 22% external quantum efficiency. One of the main loss mechanisms in such nonresonant cavity (NRC) light-emitting diodes is coupling into an internal waveguide. Texturing the surface of this waveguide allows the partial extraction of the confined light. In this way, we demonstrate an increase in the external quantum efficiency of NRC-LEDs to 31%.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, variable-temperature Hall-effect measurements were employed to optimize doping for GaN layers utilized in blue, blue-green and green light emitting diodes (LEDs).
Abstract: Variable-temperature Hall-effect measurements were employed to optimize doping for GaN layers utilized in blue, blue-green and green light emitting diodes (LEDs). N-type doping was accomplished by doping with Si, Ge, and O, and the electronic properties of these donors were studied. Si and Ge, which substitute for Ga, are shallow donors with almost identical activation energies for ionization (ca. 17 and ca. 19 meV, respectively, for a donor concentration of ca. 3×10 17 cm −3 ). O substitutes for N and introduces a slightly deeper donor level into the bandgap of GaN having an activation energy of ca. 29 meV (for a donor concentration of ca. 1×10 18 cm −3 ). Mg doping was employed to achieve p-type conductivity for GaN device layers. Mg substitutes for Ga introducing a relatively deep acceptor level. For the analysis of the variable-temperature Hall-effect data, it was found important to take the coulomb interaction between ionized acceptors into account, leading to lower activation energy with increasing degree of ionization (increasing temperature). The activation energy for ionization of Mg acceptors in GaN was thus estimated to be (208±6) meV for very low acceptor concentrations. Using optimized nitride layers, LEDs with typical external quantum efficiencies of ca. 10% in the blue and blue-green, and ca. 8% in the green wavelength range were achieved. Due to optimized doping, the forward voltages for these diodes were as low as 3.2 V at 20 mA drive current.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: An experimental demonstration of optical synchronization of chaotic external-cavity semiconductor laser diodes is reported for what is believed to be the first time.
Abstract: An experimental demonstration of optical synchronization of chaotic external-cavity semiconductor laser diodes is reported for what is believed to be the first time. It is shown that at an optimum coupling strength between the master and the slave lasers high-quality synchronization can be obtained.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Two new detectors designed specifically for use in small stereotactic fields were compared against similar, more routine, detectors, finding no single detector was found to be ideal and neither of the two new measurement devices had any significant advantages over more routine devices, in the situations measured.
Abstract: Two new detectors (0.015 cm3 ion chamber from PTW, 0.6 mm diameter diode from Scanditronix AB) designed specifically for use in small stereotactic fields were compared against similar, more routine, detectors (0.125 cm3 ion chamber, parallel plate chamber, shielded and unshielded diodes and film). Percentage depth doses, tissue maximum ratios, off-axis ratios and relative output factors were compared for circular fields in the 40-12.5 mm diameter range, with a view to identifying the optimum detector for stereotactic beam data acquisition. Practical suggestions for beam data collection and analysis are made, with an emphasis on what is achievable practically in radiotherapy departments where the primary demand is to provide a routine service. No single detector was found to be ideal, and neither of the two new measurement devices had any significant advantages over more routine devices, in the situations measured. Although the new 0.015 cm3 ion chamber was an improvement on a 0.125 cm3 ion chamber in the measurement of profiles, it was still too large when compared with a diode. The new small diode had a low signal to noise ratio which made reliable data difficult to extract and its only advantage is possibly improved resolution in fields smaller than the range tested. The use of a larger unshielded diode is recommended for all measurements, with the additional cross-checking of data against at least one small ion chamber and film. A simple method of obtaining reliable output data from the detectors used is explained.