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Max C. Lemme

Publications and source records attributed to Max C. Lemme.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Assessment of wafer-level transfer techniques of graphene with respect to semiconductor industry requirements

Graphene is a promising candidate for future electronic applications. Manufacturing graphene-based electronic devices typically requires graphene transfer from its growth substrate to another desired substrate. This key step for device integration must be applicable at the wafer level and meet the stringent requirements of semiconductor fabrication lines. In this work, wet and semidry transfer (i.e. wafer bonding) are evaluated regarding wafer scalability, handling, potential for automation, yield, contamination and electrical performance. A wafer scale tool was developed to transfer graphene from 150 mm copper foils to 200 mm silicon wafers with-out adhesive intermediate polymers. The transferred graphene coverage ranged from 97.9% to 99.2% for wet transfer and from 17.2% to 90.8% for semidry transfer, with average cop-per contaminations of 4.7x10$^{13}$ (wet) and 8.2x10$^{12}$ atoms/cm$^2$ (semidry). The corresponding electrical sheet resistance extracted from terahertz time-domain spectroscopy varied from 450 to 550 $Ω/sq$ for wet transfer and from 1000 to 1650 $Ω/sq$ for semidry transfer. Although wet transfer is superior in terms of yield, carbon contamination level and electrical quality, wafer bonding yields lower copper contamination levels and provides scalability due to existing in-dustrial tools and processes. Our conclusions can be generalized to all two-dimensional (2D) materials.

physics.app-ph↗

Plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition of Al$_2$O$_3$ on graphene using monolayer hBN as interfacial layer

The deposition of dielectric materials on graphene is one of the bottlenecks for unlocking the potential of graphene in electronic applications. In this paper we demonstrate the plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition of 10 nm thin high quality Al$_2$O$_3$ on graphene using a monolayer of hBN as protection layer. Raman spectroscopy was performed to analyze possible structural changes of the graphene lattice caused by the plasma deposition. The results show that a monolayer of hBN in combination with an optimized deposition process can effectively protect graphene from damage, while significant damage was observed without an hBN layer. Electrical characterization of double gated graphene field effect devices confirms that the graphene did not degrade during the plasma deposition of Al$_2$O$_3$. The leakage current densities were consistently below 1 nA/mm for electric fields across the insulators of up to 8 MV/cm, with irreversible breakdown happening above. Such breakdown electric fields are typical for Al$_2$O$_3$ and can be seen as an indicator for high quality dielectric films.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

AFM-based Hamaker Constant Determination with Blind Tip Reconstruction

Particle contamination of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) photomasks is one of the numerous challenges in nanoscale semiconductor fabrication, since it can lead to systematic device failures when disturbed patterns are projected repeatedly onto wafers during EUV exposure. Understanding adhesion of particle contamination is key in devising a strategy for cleaning of photomasks. In this work, particle contamination is treated as a particle-plane problem in which surface roughness and the interacting materials have major influences. For this purpose, we perform vacuum atomic force microscopy (AFM) contact measurements to quantify the van der Waals (vdW) forces between tip and sample. We introduce this as a vacuum AFM-based methodology that combines numerical Hamaker theory and Blind Tip Reconstruction (BTR). We have determined the Hamaker constants of $15x10^{-20} J$ and $13x10^{-20} J$ for the material systems of a silicon (Si) tip with both aluminum oxide ($Al_{2}O_{3}$) and native silicon dioxide ($SiO_{2}$) on Si substrates, respectively. Our methodology allows an alternative, quick and low-cost approach to characterize the Hamaker constant within the right order of magnitude for any material combination.

physics.app-ph↗

How to Report and Benchmark Emerging Field-Effect Transistors

Emerging low-dimensional nanomaterials have been studied for decades in device applications as field-effect transistors (FETs). However, properly reporting and comparing device performance has been challenging due to the involvement and interlinking of multiple device parameters. More importantly, the interdisciplinarity of this research community results in a lack of consistent reporting and benchmarking guidelines. Here we report a consensus among the authors regarding guidelines for reporting and benchmarking important FET parameters and performance metrics. We provide an example of this reporting and benchmarking process for a two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor FET. Our consensus will help promote an improved approach for assessing device performance in emerging FETs, thus aiding the field to progress more consistently and meaningfully.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

Zero Bias Power Detector Circuits based on MoS$_2$ Field Effect Transistors on Wafer-Scale Flexible Substrates

We demonstrate the design, fabrication, and characterization of wafer-scale, zero-bias power detectors based on two-dimensional MoS$_2$ field effect transistors (FETs). The MoS$_2$ FETs are fabricated using a wafer-scale process on 8 $μ$m thick polyimide film, which in principle serves as flexible substrate. The performances of two CVD-MoS$_2$ sheets, grown with different processes and showing different thicknesses, are analyzed and compared from the single device fabrication and characterization steps to the circuit level. The power detector prototypes exploit the nonlinearity of the transistors above the cut-off frequency of the devices. The proposed detectors are designed employing a transistor model based on measurement results. The fabricated circuits operate in Ku-band between 12 and 18 GHz, with a demonstrated voltage responsivity of 45 V/W at 18 GHz in the case of monolayer MoS2 and 104 V/W at 16 GHz in the case of multilayer MoS$_2$, both achieved without applied DC bias. They are the best performing power detectors fabricated on flexible substrate reported to date. The measured dynamic range exceeds 30 dB outperforming other semiconductor technologies like silicon complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) circuits and GaAs Schottky diodes.

physics.app-ph↗

Role of substrate surface morphology on the performance of graphene inks for flexible electronics

Two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as graphene, are seen as potential candidates for fabricating electronic devices and circuits on flexible substrates. Inks or dispersions of 2D materials can be deposited on flexible substrates by large-scale coating techniques, such as inkjet printing and spray coating. One of the main issues in coating processes is nonuniform deposition of inks, which may lead to large variations of properties across the substrates. Here, we investigate the role of surface morphology on the performance of graphene ink deposited on different paper substrates with specific top coatings. Substrates with good wetting properties result in reproducible thin films and electrical properties with low sheet resistance. The correct choice of surface morphology enables high-performance films without postdeposition annealing or treatment. Scanning terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) is introduced to evaluate both the uniformity and the local conductivity of graphene inks on paper. A paper-based strain gauge is demonstrated and a variable resistor acts as an on-off switch for operating an LED. Customized surfaces can thus help in unleashing the full potential of ink-based 2D materials.

physics.app-ph↗

Graphene coating of Nafion$^{(R)}$ membranes for enhanced fuel cell performance

Electrochemically exfoliated graphene (e-G) thin films on Nafion$^{(R)}$ membranes exhibit a selective barrier effect against undesirable fuel crossover. The approach combines the high proton conductivity of state-of-the-art Nafion$^{(R)}$ and the ability of e-G layers to effectively block the transport of methanol and hydrogen. Nafion$^{(R)}$ membranes are coated with aqueous dispersions of e-G on the anode side, making use of a facile and scalable spray process. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) confirm the formation of a dense percolated graphene flake network which acts as diffusion barrier. The maximum power density in direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) operation with e-G coated Nafion$^{(R)}$ N115 is 3.9 times higher than the Nafion$^{(R)}$ N115 reference (39 vs. 10 mW cm$^{-2}$ @ 0.3 V) at 5M methanol feed concentration. This suggests the application of e-G coated Nafion$^{(R)}$ membranes for portable DMFCs, where the use of highly concentrated methanol is desirable.

physics.app-ph↗

Two-dimensional Platinum Diselenide Waveguide-Integrated Infrared Photodetectors

Low cost, easily integrable photodetectors (PDs) for silicon (Si) photonics are still a bottleneck for photonic integrated circuits (PICs), especially for wavelengths above 1.8 $μ$m. Multilayered platinum diselenide (PtSe$_2$) is a semi-metallic two-dimensional (2D) material that can be synthesized below 450$°$C. We integrate PtSe$_2$ based PDs directly by conformal growth on Si waveguides. The PDs operate at 1550 nm wavelength with a maximum responsivity of 11 mA/W and response times below 8.4 $μ$s. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) in the wavelength range from 1.25 $μ$m to 28 $μ$m indicates the suitability of PtSe$_2$ for PDs far into the infrared wavelength range. Our PtSe$_2$ PDs integrated by direct growth outperform PtSe$_2$ PDs manufactured by standard 2D layer transfer. The combination of IR responsivity, chemical stability, selective and conformal growth at low temperatures, and the potential for high carrier mobility, make PtSe$_2$ an attractive 2D material for optoelectronics and PICs.

physics.app-ph↗

2D Materials for Future Heterogeneous Electronics

Graphene and two-dimensional materials (2DM) remain an active field of research in science and engineering over 15 years after the first reports of 2DM. The vast amount of available data and the high performance of device demonstrators leave little doubt about the potential of 2DM for applications in electronics, photonics and sensing. So where are the integrated chips and enabled products? We try to answer this by summarizing the main challenges and opportunities that have thus far prevented 2DM applications.

physics.app-ph↗

Stacking polymorphism in PtSe$_2$ drastically affects its electromechanical properties

PtSe$_2$ is one of the most promising materials for the next generation of piezoresistive sensors. However, the large-scale synthesis of homogeneous thin films with reproducible electromechanical properties is challenging due to polycrystallinity. We show that stacking phases other than the AA-stacking in the 1T phase become thermodynamically available at elevated temperatures. We show that these can make up a significant fraction in a polycrystalline thin film and discuss methods to characterize these stacking phases. Lastly, we estimate their gauge factors, which vary strongly and significantly impact the performance of a nanoelectromechanical device.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

Terahertz rectennas on flexible substrates based on one-dimensional metal-insulator-graphene diodes

Flexible energy harvesting devices fabricated in scalable thin-film processes are important components in the field of wearable electronics and the Internet of Things. We present a flexible rectenna based on a one-dimensional junction metal-insulator-graphene diode, which offers low-noise power detection at terahertz (THz) frequencies. The rectennas are fabricated on a flexible polyimide film in a scalable process by photolithography using graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition. A one-dimensional junction area reduces the junction capacitance and enables operation in the D-band (110 - 170 GHz). The rectenna on polyimide shows a maximum voltage responsivity of 80 V/W at 167 GHz in free space measurements and minimum noise equivalent power of 80 pW/$\sqrt{\text{Hz}}$.

physics.app-ph↗

Optimizing the Stability of FETs Based on Two-Dimensional Materials by Fermi Level Tuning

Despite the enormous progress achieved during the past decade, nanoelectronic devices based on two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors still suffer from a limited electrical stability. This limited stability has been shown to result from the interaction of charge carriers originating from the 2D semiconductors with defects in the surrounding insulating materials. The resulting dynamically trapped charges are particularly relevant in field effect transistors (FETs) and can lead to a large hysteresis, which endangers stable circuit operation. Based on the notion that charge trapping is highly sensitive to the energetic alignment of the channel Fermi-level with the defect band in the insulator, we propose to optimize device stability by deliberately tuning the channel Fermi-level. Our approach aims to minimize the amount of electrically active border traps without modifying the total number of traps in the insulator. We demonstrate the applicability of this idea by using two differently doped graphene layers in otherwise identical FETs with Al$_2$O$_3$ as a gate oxide mounted on a flexible substrate. Our results clearly show that by increasing the distance of the Fermi-level to the defect band, the hysteresis is significantly reduced. Furthermore, since long-term reliability is also very sensitive to trapped charges, a corresponding improvement in reliability is both expected theoretically and demonstrated experimentally. Our study paves the way for the construction of more stable and reliable 2D FETs in which the channel material is carefully chosen and tuned to maximize the energetic distance between charge carriers in the channel and the defect bands in the insulator employed.

physics.app-ph↗

Material-Dependencies of the THz Emission from Plasmonic Graphene-Based Photoconductive Antenna Structures

Graphene supports surface plasmon polaritons with comparatively slow propagation velocities in the THz region, which becomes increasingly interesting for future communication technologies. This ability can be used to realize compact antennas, which are up to two orders of magnitude smaller than their metallic counterparts. For a proper functionality of these antennas some minimum material requirements have to be fulfilled, which are presently difficult to achieve, since the fabrication and transfer technologies for graphene are still evolving. In this work we analyze available graphene materials experimentally and extract intrinsic characteristics at THz frequencies, in order to predict the dependency of the THz signal emission threshold as a function of the graphene relaxation time tau_r and the chemical potential mu_c.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

Correlating Nanocrystalline Structure with Electronic Properties in 2D Platinum Diselenide

Platinum diselenide (PtSe${_2}$) is a two-dimensional (2D) material with outstanding electronic and piezoresistive properties. The material can be grown at low temperatures in a scalable manner which makes it extremely appealing for many potential electronics, photonics, and sensing applications. Here, we investigate the nanocrystalline structure of different PtSe${_2}$ thin films grown by thermally assisted conversion (TAC) and correlate them with their electronic and piezoresistive properties. We use scanning transmission electron microscopy for structural analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for chemical analysis, and Raman spectroscopy for phase identification. Electronic devices are fabricated using transferred PtSe${_2}$ films for electrical characterization and piezoresistive gauge factor measurements. The variations of crystallite size and their orientations are found to have a strong correlation with the electronic and piezoresistive properties of the films, especially the sheet resistivity and the effective charge carrier mobility. Our findings may pave the way for tuning and optimizing the properties of TAC-grown PtSe${_2}$ towards numerous applications.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

Graphene in 2D/3D Heterostructure Diodes for High Performance Electronics and Optoelectronics

Diodes made of heterostructures of the 2D material graphene and conventional 3D materials are reviewed in this manuscript. Several applications in high frequency electronics and optoelectronics are highlighted. In particular, advantages of metal-insulator-graphene (MIG) diodes over conventional metal-insulator-metal diodes are discussed with respect to relevant figures-of-merit. The MIG concept is extended to 1D diodes. Several experimentally implemented radio frequency circuit applications with MIG diodes as active elements are presented. Furthermore, graphene-silicon Schottky diodes as well as MIG diodes are reviewed in terms of their potential for photodetection. Here, graphene-based diodes have the potential to outperform conventional photodetectors in several key figures-of-merit, such as overall responsivity or dark current levels. Obviously, advantages in some areas may come at the cost of disadvantages in others, so that 2D/3D diodes need to be tailored in application-specific ways.

physics.app-ph↗

Chemical vapor deposited graphene: From synthesis to applications

Graphene is a material with enormous potential for numerous applications. Therefore, significant efforts are dedicated to large-scale graphene production using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique. In addition, research is directed at developing methods to incorporate graphene in established production technologies and process flows. In this paper, we present a brief review of available CVD methods for graphene synthesis. We also discuss scalable methods to transfer graphene onto desired substrates. Finally, we discuss potential applications that would benefit from a fully scaled, semiconductor technology compatible production process.

physics.app-ph↗

Dependable contact related parameter extraction in graphene-metal junctions

The accurate extraction and the reliable, repeatable reduction of graphene - metal contact resistance (R$_{C}$) are still open issues in graphene technology. Here, we demonstrate the importance of following clear protocols when extracting R$_{C}$ using the transfer length method (TLM). We use the example of back-gated graphene TLM structures with nickel contacts, a complementary metal oxide semiconductor compatible metal. The accurate extraction of R$_{C}$ is significantly affected by generally observable Dirac voltage shifts with increasing channel lengths in ambient conditions. R$_{C}$ is generally a function of the carrier density in graphene. Hence, the position of the Fermi level and the gate voltage impact the extraction of R$_{C}$. Measurements in high vacuum, on the other hand, result in dependable extraction of R$_{C}$ as a function of gate voltage owing to minimal spread in Dirac voltages. We further assess the accurate measurement and extraction of important parameters like contact-end resistance, transfer length, sheet resistance of graphene under the metal contact and specific contact resistivity as a function of the back-gate voltage. The presented methodology has also been applied to devices with gold and copper contacts, with similar conclusions.

physics.app-ph↗

Nanoelectromechanical Sensors based on Suspended 2D Materials

The unique properties and atomic thickness of two-dimensional (2D) materials enable smaller and better nanoelectromechanical sensors with novel functionalities. During the last decade, many studies have successfully shown the feasibility of using suspended membranes of 2D materials in pressure sensors, microphones, accelerometers, and mass and gas sensors. In this review, we explain the different sensing concepts and give an overview of the relevant material properties, fabrication routes, and device operation principles. Finally, we discuss sensor readout and integration methods and provide comparisons against the state of the art to show both the challenges and promises of 2D material-based nanoelectromechanical sensing.

physics.app-ph↗