GOALI: High Field Transport and Device Modeling of Carbon Nanotube Structures

在过去的几十年中，MOS晶体管技术向更小尺寸的缩放已经引起了集成电路性能的快速提高。 然而，人们普遍认识到，即使可以成功地吸收不断升级的投资，继续扩大规模也会受到量子现象的限制，量子现象主导着纳米级器件的特性。 作为缩放MOS技术的最终替代方案，研究的方向是一方面与量子现象相关，另一方面与纳米技术相关的新器件和新操作模式。 人们正在探索许多通向分子电子学技术的平行道路。 在这方面最有前途的结构是所谓的碳纳米管（CNTs）。该计划的重点是研究高场，高温电荷载流子在CNT中的传输，并在这些结果的基础上，制定和分析器件模型，特别是基于CNT的场效应晶体管（CNT-FET）。 它计划适应和应用一种新的蒙特卡罗技术，该技术是在以前的NSF资助下开发的。 在早期的工作中，传统的半经典输运理论的蒙特卡罗范式被推广到允许带间隧穿跃迁。 还计划构建半解析CNT-FET模型，适合于探索现实的设备操作conditions.The拟议活动的智力价值包括高场电荷载流子传输的理解的进步。 CNT非常适合作为具有所需柔性的示例材料，因为它们的电子结构对管几何形状的强烈依赖性。 这将允许带结构与输运的直接相关性，而不会增加必须比较化学上不同的材料的结果的复杂性。 此外，基于CNT的器件是未来纳米级电子应用的优秀候选者，所提出的计划可以为这些前景的定量评估做出重大贡献。 为了确保计算与实验探索具有最大的相关性，该研究将与Phaedon Avouris博士及其在IBM T. J.沃森研究中心的团队密切互动。该计划通过研究生和本科生参与纳米技术的激动人心的领域以及与工业合作伙伴的合作，具有更广泛的教育影响。 明尼苏达大学的首席研究生将作为IBM小组中一名研究人员的联系人。该学生将负责明尼苏达大学和格鲁吉亚理工学院之间准确及时的信息交流。 我们的经验是，学生直接参与这种类型的互动，使他们有机会展示主动性，并与行业建立工作关系，这对他们未来的职业生涯可能有价值。 此外，PI有将其正在进行的研究纳入课堂，校外演示给学生和教科书的记录。 因此，他们的研究的教育方面达到了他们的直接研究小组以外的观众。

Over the past several decades scaling of MOS transistor technology to smaller dimensions has given rise to a rapid increase in integrated circuit performance. It is however well recognized that continued scaling is limited by quantum phenomena that dominate the characteristics of devices on the nanometer scale, even if the escalating investments can be absorbed successfully. As an eventual alternative to scaling MOS technology, research is directed at new devices and new operational paradigms that are tied to quantum phenomena on the one hand and to nanotechnology on the other. Many parallel paths towards a technology of molecular electronics are being explored. Among the most promising structures in this context are so-called carbon nanotubes (CNTs).The focus of this proposed program is a study of high-field, high-temperature charge carrier transport in CNTs and, building on these results, the formulation and analysis of device models, specifically for CNT-based field effect transistors (CNT-FETs). It is planned to adapt and apply a new Monte Carlo technique that was developed under previous NSF funding. In that earlier work the traditional Monte Carlo paradigm of semiclassical transport theory was generalized to allow for interband tunneling transitions. It is also planned to construct semianalytical CNT-FET models that are suitable for an exploration of realistic device operating conditions.The intellectual merit of the proposed activity includes the advancement of the understanding of high-field charge carrier transport. CNTs are well suited as an example material with the desired flexibility because of the strong dependence of their electronic structure on the tube geometry. This will allow for a direct correlation of bandstructure to transport without adding the complication of having to compare results for chemically different materials. Furthermore, CNT-based devices are excellent candidates for future nanometer scale electronics applications and the proposed program can make significant contributions to a quantitative assessment of these prospects. To ensure that the calculations have maximum relevance for experimental exploration the research will be conducted in close interaction with Dr. Phaedon Avouris and his group at IBM's T.J. Watson Research Center. The proposed program has broader educational impact through the involvement of graduate and undergraduate students in the exciting fields of nano technology and in the collaboration with industrial partners. The lead graduate student at the University of Minnesota will serve as the point of contact for a researcher to be identified in the IBM group. This student will be responsible for accurate and timely exchange of information also between the University of Minnesota and Georgia Tech groups. It has been our experience that the direct involvement of students in this type of interaction gives them an opportunity to display initiative and to set up working relationships with industry that are potentially valuable for their future career. In addition, the PIs have a track record of incorporating their on-going research into classes, off-campus presentations to students, and textbooks. The educational aspect of their research therefore reaches an audience beyond their immediate research groups.