Observation of large peak-to-valley current ratios and large peak current densities in AlSb/InAs/AlSb double-barrier tunnel structures

摘要

We report improved peak-to-valley current ratios and peak current densities in InAs/AlSb double-barrier, negative differential resistance tunnel structures. Our peak-to-valley current ratios are 2.9 at room temperature and 10 at liquid-nitrogen temperatures. Furthermore, we have observed peak current densities of 1.7×10^5 A/cm^2. These figures of merit are substantially better than previously reported values. The improvements are obtained by adding spacer layers near the barriers, thinner well regions, and thinner barriers.