Graphene Transistor Gate Work Function Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The limitations of silicon-based semiconductor devices in performance and manufacturing processes have led to a need for a next-generation material that can offer superior electrical conductivity and light emission capabilities, which graphene potentially provides due to its high electrophoretic mobility and rapid electricity release rates.

Innovation Solution

A graphene device is designed with a graphene layer acting as both an electrode and a channel layer in a transistor, where the work function is controlled by a voltage applied to a gate electrode, allowing for efficient current flow and light emission or detection, with the ability to switch between electron and hole movement based on voltage polarity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If silicon-based semiconductor devices are used to achieve high integration, then device density is improved, but performance improvement is limited due to material characteristics and manufacturing process limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice densityVSAvoidperformance improvement capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental material parameter from silicon-based semiconductors to graphene, exploiting graphene's superior electrophoretic mobility (up to 200,000 cm²/Vs) and other intrinsic properties to achieve both high device density and continued performance improvement, breaking through the limitations of silicon-based technology

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If graphene is used as a next generation material, then electrophoretic mobility and light emission capabilities are improved, but device structure and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrophoretic mobilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The graphene layer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the active layer for electrophoretic mobility, as an electrode for electrical connection, and as a channel layer for current flow. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining superior electrical performance

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of the electrode and channel layer into a single graphene layer, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing structural complexity. This integration leverages graphene's unique properties to achieve both high electrophoretic mobility and simplified device architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The graphene device achieves enhanced electrical conductivity and light emission or detection capabilities, overcoming the limitations of silicon-based devices by utilizing graphene's high mobility and efficiency, and enabling dual functionality as both an emission and detection device.

Implementation Method 1

The first electrode (the gate) is configured to control a work function of the graphene layer according to a voltage applied to the first electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWork function modulation:

Implementation Method 2

The graphene layer and the active layer may be configured to provide a pathway for current flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

Theoretically, graphene may have an electrophoretic mobility of up to about 200,000 cm²/Vs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrophoretic mobility: Electrophoresis

Implementation Method 4

the active layer may include an emission layer that is configured to emit light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 5

the active layer may include a photoconductive layer, the photoconductive layer may be configured to react with light, and the photoconductive layer may be configured to photoelectrically convert light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2768039B1Graphene device and electronic apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.01.13 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2768039B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2768039B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2768039B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A graphene device and an electronic apparatus including the same are provided. According to example embodiments, the graphene device includes a transistor including a source, a gate, and a drain, an active layer through which carriers move, and a graphene layer between the gate and the active layer. The graphene layer may be configured to function both as an electrode of the active layer and a channel layer of the transistor.