Abstract: Non-planar semiconductor devices having channel regions with low band-gap cladding layers are described. For example, a semiconductor device includes a vertical arrangement of a plurality of nanowires disposed above a substrate. Each nanowire includes an inner region having a first band gap and an outer cladding layer surrounding the inner region. The cladding layer has a second, lower band gap. A gate stack is disposed on and completely surrounds the channel region of each of the nanowires. The gate stack includes a gate dielectric layer disposed on and surrounding the cladding layer and a gate electrode disposed on the gate dielectric layer. Source and drain regions are disposed on either side of the channel regions of the nanowires.

Abstract: A III-N semiconductor channel is formed on a III-N transition layer formed on a (111) or (110) surface of a silicon template structure, such as a fin sidewall. In embodiments, the silicon fin has a width comparable to the III-N epitaxial film thicknesses for a more compliant seeding layer, permitting lower defect density and/or reduced epitaxial film thickness. In embodiments, a transition layer is GaN and the semiconductor channel comprises Indium (In) to increase a conduction band offset from the silicon fin. In other embodiments, the fin is sacrificial and either removed or oxidized, or otherwise converted into a dielectric structure during transistor fabrication. In certain embodiments employing a sacrificial fin, the III-N transition layer and semiconductor channel is substantially pure GaN, permitting a breakdown voltage higher than would be sustainable in the presence of the silicon fin.

Abstract: A III-N semiconductor channel is compositionally graded between a transition layer and a III-N polarization layer. In embodiments, a gate stack is deposited over sidewalls of a fin including the graded III-N semiconductor channel allowing for formation of a transport channel in the III-N semiconductor channel adjacent to at least both sidewall surfaces in response to a gate bias voltage. In embodiments, a gate stack is deposited completely around a nanowire including a III-N semiconductor channel compositionally graded to enable formation of a transport channel in the III-N semiconductor channel adjacent to both the polarization layer and the transition layer in response to a gate bias voltage.

Abstract: A III-N semiconductor channel is formed on a III-N transition layer formed on a (111) or (110) surface of a silicon template structure, such as a fin sidewall. In embodiments, the silicon fin has a width comparable to the III-N epitaxial film thicknesses for a more compliant seeding layer, permitting lower defect density and/or reduced epitaxial film thickness. In embodiments, a transition layer is GaN and the semiconductor channel comprises Indium (In) to increase a conduction band offset from the silicon fin. In other embodiments, the fin is sacrificial and either removed or oxidized, or otherwise converted into a dielectric structure during transistor fabrication. In certain embodiments employing a sacrificial fin, the III-N transition layer and semiconductor channel is substantially pure GaN, permitting a breakdown voltage higher than would be sustainable in the presence of the silicon fin.

Abstract: Non-planar semiconductor devices having channel regions with low band-gap cladding layers are described. For example, a semiconductor device includes a vertical arrangement of a plurality of nanowires disposed above a substrate. Each nanowire includes an inner region having a first band gap and an outer cladding layer surrounding the inner region. The cladding layer has a second, lower band gap. A gate stack is disposed on and completely surrounds the channel region of each of the nanowires. The gate stack includes a gate dielectric layer disposed on and surrounding the cladding layer and a gate electrode disposed on the gate dielectric layer. Source and drain regions are disposed on either side of the channel regions of the nanowires.