A heterojunction modulation-doped Mott transistor

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel heterojunction Mott FET that uses modulation doping to induce an insulator-metal transition, offering promising characteristics for next-generation electronic switches.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of a modulation-doped Mott FET (ModMottFET) that leverages electron transfer to control a Mott transition, combining materials science with device engineering.

Findings

Demonstrates potential for high transconductance

Shows charge gain properties of the device

Assesses materials like rare-earth nickelates and SrTiO3

Abstract

A heterojunction Mott field effect transistor (FET) is proposed that consists of an epitaxial channel material that exhibits an electron-correlation-induced Mott metal-to-insulator transition. The Mott material is remotely (modulation) doped with a degenerately doped conventional band insulator. An applied voltage modulates the electron transfer from the doped band insulator to the Mott material and produces transistor action by inducing an insulator-to-metal transition. Materials parameters from rare-earth nickelates and SrTiO3 are used to assess the potential of the "modulation-doped Mott FET" (ModMottFET or MMFET) as a next-generation switch. It is shown that the MMFET is characterized by unique "charge gain" characteristics as well as competitive transconductance, small signal gain and current drive.