Collaborative Research: MOSFETs with atomically engineered metal/high-k interfaces

具有原子工程金属/高k界面的场效应晶体管PI：Ramprasad(U Conn，CT)和Ramanath(RPI，NY)这项研究的目标是金属和高介电常数绝缘体(High-k)之间的界面的原子级设计，并控制金属的有效功函数。该方法包括在界面上合理放置原子或分子纳米层。我们将利用密度泛函理论计算、我们首创的合成策略、器件制备和表征来研究纳米层对金属/高k界面的电子结构、成键和稳定性的影响。智能优点：近40年来，电子器件一直由掺杂多晶硅电极/二氧化硅堆叠组成。这种体系结构对于下一代设备的不足使得金属电极/高k叠层的发展不可避免。后一种方法的一个关键障碍是没有明确的途径和知识库来制造具有可调功函数的金属电极。这一挑战将通过确定界面纳米层的物理和化学特性对有效金属功函数的影响来解决。界面分子纳米层为调节界面的电学性质和稳定性提供了一条全新的转化途径。更广泛的影响：该项目将为康涅狄格大学和伦斯勒大学分别从事计算和实验工作的两名研究生提供一个独特的跨学科培训机会。将这项研究整合到两所大学的设备和材料课程中，并在一个横跨纳米科学和电气工程的主题上进行计算-实验协同，将使学生受益。将为K-12学生组织实地访问，并为一名高中教师安排暑期实习，以提高他们对新兴纳米电子设备体系结构的认识。

Field-effect Transistors with Atomically Engineered Metal/High-k Interfaces PIs: Ramprasad (U Conn, CT) and Ramanath (RPI, NY)The objective of this research is the atomic-level design of interfaces between metals and high dielectric constant insulators (high-k), with control over the metal effective work function. The approach involves the rational placement of atomic or molecular nanolayers at the interface. Density functional theory computations, synthesis strategies pioneered by us, device fabrication and characterization, will be employed to study the effects of the nanolayers on the electronic structure, bonding, and stability of metal/high-k interfaces.Intellectual Merit: For almost four decades, electronic devices have comprised of doped-polysilicon electrode/silica stacks. The inadequacy of this architecture for next-generation devices has made the development of metal electrode/high-k stacks inevitable. A critical roadblock in the latter approach is the unavailability of a clear pathway and knowledgebase for creating metal electrodes with tunable work function. This challenge will be addressed by identifying the influence of the physical and chemical features of interfacial nanolayers on the effective metal work function. Interfacial molecular nanolayers provide a completely new transformative pathway to tailor interface electronic properties and stability. Broader Impact: This project will provide a unique opportunity for cross-disciplinary training of two graduate students working on computations and experiments at University of Connecticut and Rensselaer, respectively. Integration of this research in device and materials courses at the two universities, and the computation-experiment synergy on a topic straddling nanoscience and electrical engineering will enrich the students. Site-visits for K-12 students, and a summer internship for a high-school teacher to increase their awareness on emerging nanoelectronic device architectures will be organized.