Graphene Transistor Interface Defects via Fluorinated Gate Insulator

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manufacturing of graphene transistors is hindered by difficulties in forming devices due to interface defects between the graphene channel layer and other material layers, which deteriorate the electronic device's characteristics.

Innovation Solution

The use of chemically modified graphene, specifically fluorinated graphene, as both a channel layer and a gate insulating layer, along with patterning techniques to create nanoscale patterns, minimizes interface defects and enhances the reliability of graphene transistors by using the same material for both layers and incorporating additional insulating layers for improved insulation characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If different materials are used for the gate insulating layer and channel layer, then insulation characteristics are improved, but interface defects occur between layers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation characteristicsVSAvoidinterface quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies homogeneity by using fluorinated graphene for both the gate insulating layer and channel layer. Since both layers are made from the same material system, interface defects are significantly reduced while maintaining excellent insulation characteristics through the fluorinated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

Solution Approach 2:

The fluorinated graphene acts as an intermediary material that provides both insulation properties and compatibility with the channel layer. The fluorination process creates a material that serves dual purposes: maintaining electrical insulation while ensuring good interface quality with the channel region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If graphene is used for device manufacturing, then charge mobility is improved, but device formation becomes difficult due to process limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharge mobilityVSAvoiddevice formation process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of graphene through fluorination, transforming it into fluorinated graphene. This parameter change enables the material to serve as both channel and gate insulating layer, simplifying the manufacturing process while preserving the high charge mobility characteristics of graphene.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Fluorinated graphene is used for multiple functions: as the channel layer maintaining high mobility and as the gate insulating layer providing insulation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of different materials and processes needed, making device formation easier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If interface defects occur between graphene channel layer and material layers, then device characteristics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice characteristicsVSAvoidinterface quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By using fluorinated graphene for both the channel layer and gate insulating layer, the patent ensures material homogeneity at the interface. This eliminates the interface defects that occur when different materials are joined, thereby preventing deterioration of device characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

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

This approach prevents interface defects, improves the performance, and enhances the reliability of graphene transistors by using fluorinated graphene for both the channel and gate insulating layers, and allows for the creation of transistors with improved operational characteristics and reduced manufacturing complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a gate insulating layer on a surface of the channel layer and including fluorinated graphene

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

at least one of the channel layer and the gate insulating layer includes chemically modified graphene in contact with the graphene

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical modification through fluorination: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP2690664B1Transistors and methods of manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2015.09.16 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2690664B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2690664B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2690664B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Transistors, and methods of manufacturing the transistors, include graphene and a material converted from graphene. The transistor may include a channel layer including graphene and a gate insulating layer including a material converted from graphene. The material converted from the graphene may be fluorinated graphene. The channel layer may include a patterned graphene region. The patterned graphene region may be defined by a region converted from graphene. A gate of the transistor may include graphene.