POSTECH Professor Yong-Young Noh resolves two decades of oxide semiconductor challenges, which Is published in prestigious journal Nature
Superior output and transmission properties are demonstrated in tellurium oxide-based amorphous p-type thin-film transistors (Se:Te = 1:4) processed with an optimal selenium alloying ratio. The optimized thin-film transistor showcases a hole mobility of 15 cm2/Vs and an on/off current ratio of 107, closely resembling key electrical attributes of early n-type oxide thin-film transistors. Additionally, the thin-film transistor exhibits remarkable stability under prolonged bias stress and uniformity across large-area thin films. Credit: POSTECH

Researchers have collaborated on the development of a tellurium-selenium composite oxide semiconductor material. Their efforts led to the successful creation of a high-performance and highly stable p-type thin-film transistor (TFT). The research has been published online in Nature.

Semiconductors are used in almost every electronic device that people use such as cell phones, PCs, and automobiles. They can be classified into two main categories: crystalline and amorphous semiconductors. Crystalline semiconductors possess a well-ordered atomic or molecular structure while amorphous semiconductors lack such regularity. Consequently, amorphous semiconductors offer simpler fabrication methods and reduced costs compared to their crystalline counterparts. However, they typically exhibit inferior electrical performance.

Research progress on amorphous semiconductors has been notably sluggish. Despite the widespread adoption of n-type amorphous oxide semiconductors, particularly those based on indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) in OLED displays and memory devices, the advancement of p-type oxide materials has been impeded by numerous inherent defects.

This setback has hindered the development of n-p-type complementary bipolar semiconductors (CMOS), which serve as the cornerstone of electronic devices and integrated circuits. Achieving high-performance amorphous p-type oxide semiconductor devices has long been regarded as a near-impossible challenge, with academia facing two decades of unsuccessful attempts.

Nevertheless, a team of researchers led by POSTECH Professor Yong-Young Noh, has transformed the seemingly "impossible" into the "possible."

Through their investigation, the team discovered that the charge of tellurium oxide, a rare earth metal, increases in oxygen-deficient environments. This phenomenon arises from the creation of an acceptor level capable of accommodating electrons in the absence of sufficient oxygen, thereby enabling the material to function as a p-type semiconductor.

Building upon this insight, the team successfully engineered high-performance and exceptionally stable amorphous p-type oxide Thin-Film Transistors (TFTs) utilizing partially oxidized tellurium thin films and a tellurium-selenium composite oxide (Se:TeOx) incorporating selenium.

Experimental findings reveal that the team's TFTs exhibit the most impressive hole mobility (15 cm2V-1s-1) and on/off current ratio (106–107) ever reported for a p-type amorphous oxide TFT. These achievements nearly match the performance levels of conventional n-type semiconductors (such as IGZOs), which have been extensively studied.

Furthermore, the team's TFTs demonstrated exceptional stability under varying external conditions including fluctuations in voltage, current, air, and humidity. Notably, uniform performance across all TFT components was observed when fabricated on wafers, affirming their suitability for reliable devices applicable in industrial settings.

Professor Yong-Young Noh of POSTECH said, "This milestone holds significant implications for next-generation display technologies such as OLED TVs, VR, and AR devices as well as for research on low-power CMOS and DRAM memory. We anticipate its potential to drive substantial value creation across diverse industries."

More information: Ao Liu et al, Selenium alloyed tellurium oxide for amorphous p-channel transistors, Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07360-w

Citation: Researcher develop high-performance amorphous p-type oxide semiconductor (2024, April 26) retrieved 26 April 2024 from https://techxplore.com/news/2024-04-high-amorphous-p-oxide-semiconductor.html

This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.