Abstract: A method for fabricating a non-planar heterostructure field effect transistor using group III-nitride materials with consistent repeatable results is disclosed. The method provides a substrate on which at least one layer of semiconductor material is deposited. An AlN layer is deposited on the at least one layer of semiconductor material. A portion of the AlN layer is removed using a solvent to create a non-planar region with consistent and repeatable results. The at least one layer beneath the AlN layer is insoluble in the solvent and therefore acts as an etch stop, preventing any damage to the at least one layer beneath the AlN layer. Furthermore, should the AlN layer incur any surface damage as a result of the reactive ion etching, the damage will be removed when exposed to the solvent to create the non-planar region.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device which protects the ohmic metal contacts and the channel of the device during subsequent high temperature processing steps is explained. An encapsulation layer is used to cover the channel and ohmic metal contacts. The present invention provides a substrate on which a plurality of semiconductor layers are deposited. The semiconductor layers act as the channel of the device. The semiconductor layers are covered with an encapsulation layer. A portion of the encapsulation layer and the plurality of semiconductor layers are removed, wherein ohmic metal contacts are deposited. The ohmic metal contacts are then annealed to help reduce their resistance. The encapsulation layer ensures that the ohmic metal contacts do not migrate during the annealing step and that the channel is not harmed by the high temperatures needed during the annealing step.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes the strong piezoelectric effect, found in group-III nitride materials to circumvent the need to selectively remove Gallium Nitride (GaN) in the fabrication of GaN/AlGaN Heterostructure Field Effect Transistors. The transistor is comprised of a semi-insulating substrate 300, a buffer layer 302 which is in continual contact with the semi-insulating substrate 300. A GaN active channel 304 is atop the buffer layer 302. An AlGaN barrier 306 in laid on top of, and is in continual contact with, the GaN active channel 304. Thereafter, there is a source contact 308 and a drain contact 310 both in physical contact with the GaN active channel 308. There is a gate 312 upon the AlGaN barrier 306 and between the source contact 308 and a drain contact 310. At least one dielectric stressor 314 is placed upon the AlGaN barrier 306. The dielectric stressors 314 are between the gate 312 and the source 308 and drain 310 contacts.

Abstract: A process and related product in which ohmic contacts are formed in High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) employing compound substrates such as gallium nitride. An improved device and an improvement to a process for fabrication of ohmic contacts to GaN/AlGaN HEMTs using a novel two step resist process to fabricate the ohmic contacts are described. This novel two-step process consists of depositing a plurality of layers having compounds of Group III V elements on a substrate; patterning and depositing a first photoresist on one of the layers; etching recessed areas into this layer; depositing ohmic metals on the recessed areas; removing the first photoresist; patterning and depositing a second photoresist, smaller in profile than the first photoresist, on the layer; depositing more ohmic metal on the layer allowing for complete coverage of the recessed areas; removing the second photoresist, and annealing the semiconductor structure.

Abstract: A method for fabricating heterojunction field effect transistors (HFET) and a family of HFET layer structures are presented. In the method, a step of depositing a HFET semiconductor structure onto a substrate is performed. Next, a photoresist material is deposited. Portions of the photoresist material are removed corresponding to source and drain pad pairs. A metal layer is deposited onto the structure, forming source pad and drain pad pairs. The photoresist material is removed, exposing the structure in areas other than the source and drain pad pairs. Each source and drain pad pair has a corresponding exposed area. The structure is annealed and devices are electrically isolated. The exposed area of each device is etched to form a gate recess and a gate structure is formed in the recess. Semiconductor layer structures for GaN/AlGaN HFETs are also presented.