Floating Electrode Doping Control in 2D Materials

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods lack precise control over doping profiles in two-dimensional materials like graphene, which is essential for optimizing their performance in electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method utilizing a charged substrate with non-zero polarization and floating electrodes with different sized areas to control doping levels in two-dimensional materials, where the floating electrodes are arranged to amplify electric fields and create varying doping profiles across the material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional doping methods are used on two-dimensional materials, then doping can be achieved, but precise control over doping profiles is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoping profile controlVSAvoidcontrol structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is segmented into multiple regions with different areas, where each region corresponds to a specific doping zone in the two-dimensional material. By dividing the electrode into distinct segments with varying surface areas, the patent achieves precise spatial control over doping profiles without requiring complex external control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the electrode are designed with different local properties (different areas) to create specific doping conditions in corresponding regions of the two-dimensional material. The first area and second area of the electrode have different dimensions, enabling localized control of doping concentration and profile in different zones of the material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If floating electrodes with different areas are used to control doping levels, then precise doping control is achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoping level controlVSAvoidelectrode structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functional elements into a single integrated floating electrode structure. The electrode simultaneously performs multiple functions: it provides electrical connection, creates electric fields of different intensities through its segmented areas, and controls doping profiles across different regions of the two-dimensional material, thereby reducing the need for separate control components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent controls doping levels by changing the geometric parameters of the electrode, specifically the areas of different regions. By varying the surface area of electrode regions rather than changing material composition or adding complex control systems, the patent achieves precise doping control through simple geometric parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Force

If the first area of the floating electrode is made larger than the second area, then electric field amplification is achieved, but the electrode design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric field strengthVSAvoidelectrode geometry complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is designed with asymmetric geometry where the first area is deliberately made larger than the second area. This asymmetric design creates an inherent electric field amplification effect where the larger area region generates a stronger electric field that is concentrated at the smaller area region, achieving field enhancement through geometric asymmetry rather than active control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables precise modulation of doping profiles in two-dimensional materials, allowing for tailored electronic properties and device performance, such as switching between p-n junction states in devices like photodetectors.

Implementation Method 1

at least one charged substrate configured to have a non-zero polarization

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Implementation Method 2

the doping within the two dimensional material may be dependent upon an electric field provided by the second area of the floating electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 3

for each floating electrode, a charged substrate and the first area of the floating electrode may form a first capacitor having a first electric field dependent upon the charge on the substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 4

the first electric field causes, at the second area of the floating electrode, a second electric field that is dependent upon the first electric field amplified by a ratio of the first area to the second area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric field amplification: Electric Field

Implementation Method 5

An insulating material is provided between the channel of two dimensional material and the second area of the at least one floating electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInsulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP3016145B1An apparatus and method for controlling doping
Publication Date: 2022.03.16 EMBERION OY
  • EP3016145B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3016145B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3016145B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5D

AI summary

An apparatus and method, the apparatus comprising: at least one charged substrate (3); a channel of two dimensional material (5); and at least one floating electrode (7A, 7B, 7C) wherein each floating electrode comprises a first area (10A, 10B, 10C) adjacent the at least one charged substrate, a second area (11A, 11B, 11C) adjacent the channel of two dimensional material and a conductive interconnection (9A, 9B, 9C) between the first area and the second area wherein the first area is larger than the second area and wherein the at least one floating electrode is arranged to control the level of doping within the channel of two dimensional material.