arXiv subjects

Francisco Pasadas

Publications and source records attributed to Francisco Pasadas.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Numerical study of synaptic behavior in amorphous HfO2-based ferroelectric-like FETs generated by voltage-driven ion migration

The continuous effort in making artificial neural networks more alike to human brain calls for the hardware elements to implement biological synapse-like functionalities. The recent experimental demonstration of ferroelectric-like FETs promises low-power operation as compared to the conventional ferroelectric switching devices. This work presents an in-house numerical tool, which self-consistently solves the electrostatics and time-dependent electronic and ionic transport. The tool is exploited to analyze the effect that various physical parameters such as mobility and ion concentration could have on the design of the ferroelectric-like FETs. Their suitability in emulating different functions of the biological synapses is also demonstrated.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

Understanding Memristive Behavior: An Atomistic Study of the Influence of Grain Boundaries on Surface and Out-of-Plane Diffusion of Metallic Atoms

Atomic migration from metallic contacts, and subsequent filament formation, is recognised as a prevailing mechanism leading to resistive switching in memristors based on two-dimensional materials (2DMs). This study presents a detailed atomistic examination of the migration of different metal atoms across the grain boundaries (GBs) of 2DMs, employing Density Functional Theory in conjunction with Non-Equilibrium Green's Function transport simulations. Various types of metallic atoms, Au, Cu, Al, Ni, and Ag, are examined, focusing on their migration both in the out-of-plane direction through a MoS\textsubscript{2} layer and along the surface of the MoS\textsubscript{2} layer, pertinent to filament formation in vertical and lateral memristors, respectively. Different types of GBs usually present in MoS\textsubscript{2} are considered to assess their influence on the diffusion of metal atoms. The findings are compared with structures based on pristine MoS\textsubscript{2} and those with mono-sulfur vacancies, aiming to understand the key elements that affect the switching performance of memristors. Furthermore, transport simulations are carried out to evaluate the effects of GBs on both out-of-plane and in-plane electron conductance, providing valuable insights into the resistive switching ratio.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2023

Exploiting ambipolarity in graphene field-effect transistors for novel designs on high-frequency analog electronics

Exploiting ambipolar electrical conductivity based on graphene field-effect transistors has raised enormous interest for high-frequency (HF) analog electronics. Controlling the device polarity, by biasing the graphene transistor around the vertex of the V-shaped transfer curve, enables to redesign and highly simplify conventional analog circuits, and simultaneously to seek for multifunctionalities specially in the HF domain. We present, here, new insights for the design of different HF applications such as power amplifiers, mixers, frequency multipliers, phase shifters, and modulators that specifically leverage the inherent ambipolarity of graphene-based transistors.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2023

Characterization of the Intrinsic and Extrinsic Resistances of a Microwave Graphene FET Under Zero Transconductance Conditions

Graphene field-effect transistors exhibit negligible transconductance under two scenarios: for any gate-to-source voltage when the drain-to-source voltage is set to zero, and for an arbitrary drain-to-source voltage provided that the gate-to-source voltage equals the Dirac voltage. Hence, extracting the channel and the parasitic series resistances from S-parameters under these conditions enables analyzing their dependence on the gate and drain biases. This is fundamental to assess the portion of the output resistance that is controlled by the gate. Besides, the drain bias dependence of the drain and source resistances is also evidenced. Within the proposal, resistive components accounting for the lossy nature of the gate capacitance are incorporated into the model, which exhibits a broadband correlation with experimental data. This avoids the series resistances to be considered as frequency dependent in the model.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2022

Compact modeling technology for the simulation of integrated circuits based on graphene field-effect transistors

In this study, we report the progress made towards the definition of a modular compact modeling technology for graphene field-effect transistors (GFET) that enables the electrical analysis of arbitrary GFET-based integrated circuits. A set of primary models embracing the main physical principles defines the ideal GFET response under DC, transient (time domain), AC (frequency domain), and noise (frequency domain) analysis. Other set of secondary models accounts for the GFET non-idealities, such as extrinsic-, short-channel-, trapping/detrapping-, self-heating-, and non-quasi static-effects, which could have a significant impact under static and/or dynamic operation. At both device and circuit levels, significant consistency is demonstrated between the simulation output and experimental data for relevant operating conditions. Additionally, we provide a perspective of the challenges during the scale up of the GFET modeling technology towards higher technology readiness levels while drawing a collaborative scenario among fabrication technology groups, modeling groups, and circuit designers.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2022

Graphene on Silicon Hybrid Field-Effect Transistors

The combination of graphene with silicon in hybrid devices has attracted attention extensively over the last decade. Most of such devices were proposed for photonics and radiofrequency applications. In this work, we present a unique technology of graphene-on-silicon heterostructures and their properties as solution-gated transistors. The graphene-on-Silicon field-effect transistors (GoSFETs) were fabricated exploiting various conformations of drain-source regions doping and channel material dimensions. The fabricated devices were electrically characterized demonstrating hybrid behavior with features specific to both graphene and silicon. Although GoSFET's transconductance and carrier's mobility were found to be lower than in conventional silicon and graphene field-effect transistors (SiFETs and GFETs), it was demonstrated that the combination of both materials within the hybrid channel contribute uniquely to the charge carrier transport. A comprehensive physics-based compact modeling was specifically developed, showing excellent agreement with the experimental data. The model is employed to rationalize the observed hybrid behavior as the theoretical results from the electrostatics and the carrier transport under a drift-diffusion approach show that graphene acts as a shield for the silicon channel, giving rise to a non-uniform potential distribution along it, especially at the subthreshold region. This graphene screening effect is shown to strongly affect the device subthreshold swing when compared against a conventional SiFET due to a non-negligible diffusion current in this operation regime.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2021

Compact Modeling of pH-Sensitive FETs Based on Two-Dimensional Semiconductors

We present a physics-based circuit-compatible model for pH-sensitive field-effect transistors based on two-dimensional (2D) materials. The electrostatics along the electrolyte-gated 2D-semiconductor stack is treated by solving the Poisson equation including the Site-Binding model and the Gouy-Chapman-Stern approach, while the carrier transport is described by the drift-diffusion theory. The proposed model is provided in an analytical form and then implemented in Verilog-A, making it compatible with standard technology computer-aided design tools employed for circuit simulation. The model is benchmarked against two experimental transition-metal-dichalcogenide (MoS2 and ReS2) based ion sensors, showing excellent agreement when predicting the drain current, threshold voltage shift, and current/voltage sensitivity measurements for different pH concentrations.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2021

Unveiling the impact of the bias-dependent charge neutrality point on graphene-based multi-transistor applications

The Dirac voltage of a graphene field-effect transistor (GFET) stands for the gate bias that sets the charge neutrality condition in the channel, thus resulting in a minimum conductivity. Controlling its dependence on the terminal biases is crucial for the design and optimization of radio-frequency applications based on multiple GFETs. However, the previous analysis of such dependence carried out for a single device can lead to confusion and if not properly understood could result in circuit designs with poor performance. The control of the Dirac point shift (DPS) is particularly important for the deployment of graphene-based differential circuit topologies where keeping a strict symmetry between the electrical balanced branches is crucial for exploiting the advantages of such topologies. This note sheds light on the impact of terminal biases on the DPS in a real device and sets a rigorous methodology to control it so to eventually optimize and exploit the performance of radio-frequency applications based on GFETs.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2020

Sensitivity Analysis of a Graphene Field-Effect Transistors by means of Design of Experiments

Graphene, due to its unique electronic structure favoring high carrier mobility, is considered a promising material for use in high-speed electronic devices in the post-silicon electronic era. For this reason, experimental research on graphene-based field-effect transistors (GFETs) has rapidly increased in the last years. However, despite the continuous progress in the optimization of such devices many critical issues remain to be solved such as their reproducibility and performance uniformity against possible variations originated by the manufacturing processes or the operating conditions. In the present work, changes of the ID-VDS characteristics of a Graphene Field-Effect Transistors, caused by a tolerance of 10% in the active channel (i.e. its length and width) and in the top oxide thickness are numerically investigated in order to assess the reliability of such devices. Design of Experiments (DoE) is adopted with the aim to identify the most influential factors on the electrical performance of the device, so that the fabrication process may be suitably optimized.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2020

Non-quasi-static effects in graphene field-effect transistors under high-frequency operation

We have investigated the non-quasi-static (NQS) effects in graphene field-effect transistors (GFETs), which are relevant for GFET operation at high frequencies as a result of significant carrier inertia. A small-signal NQS model is derived from the analytical solution of drift-diffusion equation coupled with the continuity equation, which can be expressed in terms of modified Bessel functions of the first kind. The NQS model can be conveniently simplified to provide an equivalent circuit of lumped elements ready to be used in standard circuit simulators. Taking into account only first-order NQS effects, accurate GFET based circuit simulations up to several times the cut-off frequency (fT) can be performed. Notably, it reduces to the quasi-static (QS) approach when the operation frequency is below ~fT/4. To validate the NQS model, we have compared its outcome against simulations based on a multisegment approach consisting of breaking down the channel length in N equal segments described by the QS model each one.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2020

Large-signal model of 2DFETs: compact modeling of terminal charges and intrinsic capacitances

We present a physics-based circuit-compatible model for double-gated two-dimensional semiconductor based field effect transistors, which provides explicit expressions for the drain current, terminal charges and intrinsic capacitances. The drain current model is based on the drift-diffusion mechanism for the carrier transport and considers Fermi-Dirac statistics coupled with an appropriate field-effect approach. The terminal charge and intrinsic capacitance models are calculated adopting a Ward-Dutton linear charge partition scheme that guarantees charge-conservation. It has been implemented in Verilog-A to make it compatible with standard circuit simulators. In order to benchmark the proposed modeling framework we also present experimental DC and high-frequency measurements of a purposely fabricated monolayer MoS2 FET showing excellent agreement between the model and the experiment and thus demonstrating the capabilities of the combined approach to predict the performance of 2DFETs.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2019

Does carrier velocity saturation help to enhance fmax in graphene field-effect transistors?

It has been argued that current saturation in graphene field-effect transistors (GFETs) is needed to get the highest possible maximum oscillation frequency (fmax). This paper numerically investigates whether velocity saturation can help to get better current saturation and if that correlates with enhanced fmax. For such a purpose, we used a drift-diffusion simulator that includes several factors that influence output conductance, especially at short channel lengths and-or large drain bias: short-channel electrostatics, saturation velocity, graphene-dielectric interface traps, and self-heating effects. As a testbed for our investigation, we analyzed fabricated GFETs with high extrinsin cutoff frequency fT,x (34 GHz) and fmax (37 GHz). Our simulations allow for a microscopic (local) analysis of the channel parameteres such as carrier concentration, drift and saturation velocities. For biases far away from the Dirac voltage, where the channel behaves as unipolar, we confirmed that the higher is the drift velocity, as close as possible to the saturation velocity, the greater fmax is. However, the largest fmax is recorded at biases near the crossover between unipolar and bipolar behavior, where it does not hold that the highest drift velocity maximizes fmax. In fact, the position and magnitude of the largest fmax depend on the complex interplay between the carrier concentration and total velocity which, in turn, are impacted by the self-heating. Importantly, this effect was found to severely limit radio-frequency performance, reducing the maximum fmax from around 60 to 40 GHz.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2019

Large-signal model of the Metal-Insulator-Graphene diode targeting RF applications

We present a circuit-design compatible large-signal compact model of metal-insulator-graphene (MIG) diodes for describing its dynamic response for the first time. The model essentially consists of a voltage-dependent diode intrinsic capacitance coupled with a static voltage-dependent current source, the latter accounts for the vertical electron transport from/towards graphene, which has been modeled by means of the Dirac-thermionic electron transport theory through the insulator barrier. Importantly, the image force effect has been found to play a key role in determining the barrier height, so it has been incorporated into the model accordingly. The resulting model has been implemented in Verilog A to be used in existing circuit simulators and benchmarked against an experimental 6-nm TiO2 barrier MIG diode working as a power detector.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2019

Radio frequency performance projection and stability trade-off of h-BN encapsulated graphene field-effect transistors

Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) encapsulation significantly improves carrier transport in graphene. This work investigates the benefit of implementing the encapsulation technique in graphene field-effect transistors (GFET) in terms of their radio frequency (RF) performance. For such a purpose, a drift-diffusion self-consistent simulator is prepared to get the GFET electrical characteristics. Both the mobility and saturation velocity information are obtained by means of an ensemble Monte Carlo simulator upon considering the relevant scattering mechanisms that affect carrier transport. RF figures of merit are simulated using an accurate small-signal model that includes non-reciprocal capacitances. Results reveal that the cutoff frequency could scale up to the physical limit given by the inverse of the transit time. Projected maximum oscillation frequencies, in the order of few THz, are expected to exceed the values demonstrated by InP and Si based RF transistors. The existing trade-off between power gain and stability and the role played by the gate resistance are also studied. High power gain and stability are feasible even if the device is operated far away from current saturation. Finally, the benefits of device unilateralization and the exploitation of the negative differential resistance region to get negative-resistance gain are discussed.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2017

Scaling of graphene field-effect transistors supported on hexagonal boron nitride: radio-frequency stability as a limiting factor

The quality of graphene in nanodevices has increased hugely thanks to the use of hexagonal boron nitride as a supporting layer. This paper studies to which extent hBN together with channel length scaling can be exploited in graphene field effect transistors (GFETs) to get a competitive radio frequency (RF) performance. Carrier mobility and saturation velocity were obtained from an ensemble Monte Carlo simulator that accounted for the relevant scattering mechanisms (intrinsic phonons, scattering with impurities and defects, etc.). This information is fed into a self consistent simulator, which solves the drift diffusion equation coupled with the two dimensional Poisson's equation to take full account of short channel effects. Simulated GFET characteristics were benchmarked against experimental data from our fabricated devices. Our simulations show that scalability is supposed to bring to RF performance an improvement that is, however, highly limited by instability. Despite the possibility of a lower performance, a careful choice of the bias point can avoid instability. Nevertheless, maximum oscillation frequencies are still achievable in the THz region for channel lengths of a few hundreds of nanometers.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2017

Small-signal model for 2D-material based field-effect transistors targeting radio-frequency applications: the importance of considering non-reciprocal capacitances

A small-signal equivalent circuit of 2D-material based field-effect transistors is presented. Charge conservation and non-reciprocal capacitances have been assumed so the model can be used to make reliable predictions at both device and circuit levels. In this context, explicit and exact analytical expressions of the main radio-frequency figures of merit of these devices are given. Moreover, a direct parameter extraction methodology is provided based on S-parameter measurements. In addition to the intrinsic capacitances, transconductance and output conductance, our approach allows extracting the series combination of drain/source metal contact and access resistances. Accounting for these extrinsic resistances is of upmost importance when dealing with low dimensional field-effect transistors.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2017

Modelling of field-effect transistors based on 2D materials targeting high-frequency applications

New technologies are necessary for the unprecedented expansion of connectivity and communications in the modern technological society. The specific needs of wireless communication systems in 5G and beyond, as well as devices for the future deployment of Internet of Things has caused that the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors, which is the strategic planning document of the semiconductor industry, considered since 2011, graphene and related materials (GRMs) as promising candidates for the future of electronics. Graphene, a one-atom-thick of carbon, is a promising material for high-frequency applications due to its intrinsic superior carrier mobility and very high saturation velocity. These exceptional carrier transport properties suggest that GRM-based field-effect transistors could potentially outperform other technologies. This thesis presents a body of work on the modelling, performance prediction and simulation of GRM-based field-effect transistors and circuits. The main goal of this work is to provide models and tools to ease the following issues: (i) gaining technological control of single layer and bilayer graphene devices and, more generally, devices based on 2D materials, (ii) assessment of radio-frequency (RF) performance and microwave stability, (iii) benchmarking against other existing technologies, (iv) providing guidance for device and circuit design, (v) simulation of circuits formed by GRM-based transistors.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2016

Large-Signal Model of Graphene Field-Effect Transistors -- Part II: Circuit Performance Benchmarking

This paper presents a circuit performance benchmarking using the large-signal model of graphene field effect transistor reported in Part I of this two-part paper. To test the model, it has been implemented in a circuit simulator. Specifically we have simulated a high-frequency performance amplifier, together with other circuits that take advantage of the ambipolarity of graphene, such as a frequency doubler, a radio-frequency subharmonic mixer and a multiplier phase detector. A variety of simulations comprising DC, transient dynamics, Bode diagram, S-parameters, and power spectrum have been compared with experimental data to assess the validity of the model.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗