Here we demonstrate a more effective use of III-V photoconversion material to achieve an ultrahigh power-per-weight ratio from a solar cell utilizing an axial p-i-n junction GaAs/AlGaAs nanowire (NW) array grown by molecular beam epitaxy on a Si substrate. By analyzing single NW multicontact devices, we first show that an n-GaAs shell is self-formed radially outside the axial p- and i-core of the GaAs NW during n-core growth, which significantly deteriorates the rectification property of the NWs in the axial direction. When employing a selective-area ex situ etching process for the n-GaAs shell, a clear rectification of the axial NW p-i-n junction with a high on/off ratio was revealed. Such a controlled etching process of the self-formed nGaAs shell was further introduced to fabricate axial p-i-n junction GaAs NW array solar cells. Employing this method, a GaAs NW array solar cell with only similar to 1.3% areal coverage of the NWs shows a photoconversion efficiency of similar to 7.7% under 1 Sun intensity (AM 1.5G), which is the highest achieved efficiency from any single junction GaAs NW solar cell grown on a Si substrate so far. This corresponds to a power-per-weight ratio of the active III-V photoconversion material as high as 560 W/g, showing great promise for high-efficiency and low-cost III-V NW solar cells and III-V NW/Si tandem solar cells.

Semiconductor nanowire lasers can produce guided coherent light emission with miniaturized geometry, bringing about new possibilities for a variety of applications including nanophotonic circuits, optical sensing, and on-chip and chip-to-chip optical communications. Here, we report on the realization of single-mode and room-temperature lasing from 890 to 990 nm, utilizing a novel design of single nanowires with GaAsSb-based multiple axial superlattices as a gain medium under optical pumping. The control of lasing wavelength via compositional tuning with excellent room-temperature lasing performance is shown to result from the unique nanowire structure with efficient gain material, which delivers a low lasing threshold of ∼6 kW/cm2 (75 μJ/cm2 per pulse), a lasing quality factor as high as 1250, and a high characteristic temperature of ∼129 K. These results present a major advancement for the design and synthesis of nanowire laser structures, which can pave the way toward future nanoscale integrated optoelectronic systems with superior performance.

Chemical doping has been investigated as an alternative method of conventional ion implantation for two-dimensional materials. We herein report chemically doped multilayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) field effect transistors (FETs) through n-type channel doping, wherein triethanolamine (TEOA) is used as an n-type dopant. As a result of the TEOA doping process, the electrical performances of multilayer MoS2 FETs were enhanced at room temperature. Extracted field effect mobility was estimated to be ∼30 cm2 V-1 s-1 after the surface doping process, which is 10 times higher than that of the pristine device. Subthreshold swing and contact resistance were also improved after the TEOA doping process. The enhancement of the subthreshold swing was demonstrated by using an independent FET model. Furthermore, we found that the doping level can be effectively controlled by the heat treatment method. These results demonstrate a promising material system that is easily controlled with high performance, while elucidating the underlying mechanism of improved electrical properties by the doping effect in a multilayered scheme.

Due to bandgap tunability, GaAsSb nanowires (NWs) have received a great deal of attention for a variety of optoelectronic device applications. However, electrical and optical properties of GaAsSb are strongly affected by Sb-related defects and scattering from surface states and/or defects, which can limit the performance of GaAsSb NW devices. Thus, in order to utilize the GaAsSb NWs for high performance electronic and optoelectronic devices, it is required to study the material and interface properties (e.g. the interface trap density) in the GaAsSb NW devices. Here, we investigate the low frequency noise in single GaAsSb NWs with self-induced compositional gradients. The current noise spectral density of the GaAsSb NW device showed a typical 1/f noise behavior. The Hooge's noise parameter and the interface trap density of the GaAsSb NW device were found to be ∼2.2 × 10(-2) and ∼2 × 10(12) eV(-1) cm(-2), respectively. By applying low frequency noise measurements, the noise equivalent power, a key figure of merit of photodetectors, was calculated. The observed low frequency noise properties can be useful as guidance for quality and reliability of GaAsSb NW based electronic devices, especially for photodetectors.

Ternary semiconductor nanowire arrays enable scalable fabrication of nano-optoelectronic devices with tunable bandgap. However, the lack of insight into the effects of the incorporation of Vy element results in lack of control on the growth of ternary III-V(1-y)Vy nanowires and hinders the development of high-performance nanowire devices based on such ternaries. Here, we report on the origins of Sb-induced effects affecting the morphology and crystal structure of self-catalyzed GaAsSb nanowire arrays. The nanowire growth by molecular beam epitaxy is changed both kinetically and thermodynamically by the introduction of Sb. An anomalous decrease of the axial growth rate with increased Sb2 flux is found to be due to both the indirect kinetic influence via the Ga adatom diffusion induced catalyst geometry evolution and the direct composition modulation. From the fundamental growth analyses and the crystal phase evolution mechanism proposed in this Letter, the phase transition/stability in catalyst-assisted ternary III-V-V nanowire growth can be well explained. Wavelength tunability with good homogeneity of the optical emission from the self-catalyzed GaAsSb nanowire arrays with high crystal phase purity is demonstrated by only adjusting the Sb2 flux.

We report on the influence of hole pattern pitch lengths in the silicon oxide mask and specific nanowire (NW) locations on the morphology and luminescence properties of self-catalyzed GaAsSb NW arrays grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Due to stronger competition for the limited amount of Ga adatoms, the GaAsSb NWs in the center of arrays with short pitch lengths possess a smaller catalyst droplet contact angle than that of the NWs at the array edge. This smaller contact angle leads to a reduction in the collection of group V flux, bringing about shorter NWs in the center. For pitch lengths beyond the diffusion length of Ga adatoms on the mask, the GaAsSb NWs are taller with larger contact angles than in the case with short pitch lengths. Considering that Sb has a longer diffusion length on the side facets of the NWs than that of As, a reduction/increase of the contact angle will bring about an increase/reduction in the Sb/As ratio of the group-V fluxes collected by the catalyst droplets. By performing micro-photoluminescence (μ-PL) measurements on the GaAsSb NW arrays at the center of the array for different pitch lengths, a red shift of the μ-PL spectra was found with a decrease in pitch length. Our findings demonstrate that the Ga diffusion-induced contact angle difference is the main cause for the variations in NW morphology and composition with different pitch lengths and NW locations in the array, which provides guidance to optimize the design of NW array devices for advanced optoelectronic applications.

Here we report on the heat-induced solid-state replacement of GaAs by Au in nanowires. Such replacement of semiconductor nanowires by metals is envisioned as a method to achieve well-defined junctions within nanowires. To better understand the mechanisms and dynamics that govern the replacement reaction, we performed in situ heating studies using high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. The dynamic evolution of the phase boundary was investigated, as well as the crystal structure and orientation of the different phases at reaction temperatures. In general, the replacement proceeds one GaAs(111) bilayer at a time, and no fixed epitaxial relation could be found between the two phases. The relative orientation of the phases affects the replacement dynamics and can induce growth twins in the Au nanowire phase. In the case of a limited Au supply, the metal phase can also become liquid.

Device configurations that enable a unidirectional propagation of carriers in a semiconductor are fundamental components for electronic and optoelectronic applications. To realize such devices, however, it is generally required to have complex processes to make p-n or Schottky junctions. Here we report on a unidirectional propagation effect due to a self-induced compositional variation in GaAsSb nanowires (NWs). The individual GaAsSb NWs exhibit a highly reproducible rectifying behavior, where the rectifying direction is determined by the NW growth direction. Combining the results from confocal micro-Raman spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and electrical measurements, the origin of the rectifying behavior is found to be associated with a self-induced variation of the Sb and the carrier concentrations in the NW. To demonstrate the usefulness of these GaAsSb NWs for device applications, NW-based photodetectors and logic circuits have been made.

We extracted the interlayer resistance between two layers in multilayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) field-effect transistors by confirming that contact resistances (Rcontact) measured using the four-probe measurements were similar, within ∼30%, to source/drain series resistances (Rsd) measured using the two-probe measurements. Rcontact values obtained from gated four-probe measurements exhibited gate voltage dependency. In the two-probe measurements, the Y-function method was applied to obtain the Rsd values. By comparing those two Rcontact (∼9.5 kΩ) and Rsd (∼12.3 kΩ) values in strong accumulation regime, we found the rationality that those two values had nearly the same properties, i.e., the Schottky barrier resistances and interlayer resistances. The Rsd values of devices with two-probe source/drain electrodes exhibited thickness dependency due to interlayer resistance changes. The interlayer resistance between two layers was also obtained as ∼2.0 Ω mm.

Channel access resistance (Rsd) effects on the charge carrier mobility (μ) and low-frequency noise (LFN) in a polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) passivated tin-oxide nanowire (SnO2-NW) field effect-transistor were investigated. To this end, the Y function method was employed for direct electrical parameters extraction without Rsd influence. Numerical simulation was used to evaluate gate-to-channel capacitance (Cgc) accounting for the electrostatic gate coupling effects through PMMA passivation layer. Furthermore, LFN measurements were carried out to study the SnO2/dielectrics interface. The carrier number fluctuation (CNF) noise model was found appropriate to interpret LFN data provided Rsd influence is included.

Enzymatic biosensor reactions follow the Michaelis–Menten kinetics, coupled with diffusion. The diffusion reaction processes for amperometric enzyme biosensors have been simulated to explore the geometrical effects of nanowire array electrodes (NWAEs) and nanowire array stack electrodes (NWASEs) from the viewpoint of enhanced mass transport and increased reaction surface area in two limiting cases. For practical analysis considering sensor fabrication, most samples are assumed to have the same unit square (1cm×1cm) footprint. In the reaction-controlled case, the surface area increment improves the sensitivity regardless of electrode geometry. However, in the diffusion-controlled case, well-controlled NWAE or NWASE geometries as well as the increased surface area improve the sensitivity when the peak current at an early stage of the reaction is measured. Peak current engineering by adjusting the geometric parameters of NWAEs and NWASEs will result in a highly sensitive amperometric enzyme biosensor in the diffusion-controlled case. In contrast to previous micro- and nanoelectrode array studies, we investigated NWASEs representing entangled nanowire network electrodes, and report significant improvements in both limiting cases.

Diagnosing of the interface quality and the interactions between insulators and semiconductors is significant to achieve the high performance of nanodevices. Herein, low-frequency noise (LFN) in mechanically exfoliated multilayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) (similar to 11.3 nm-thick) field-effect transistors with back-gate control was characterized with and without an Al2O3 high-k passivation layer. The carrier number fluctuation (CNF) model associated with trapping/detrapping the charge carriers at the interface nicely described the noise behavior in the strong accumulation regime both with and without the Al2O3 passivation layer. The interface trap density at the MoS2-SiO2 interface was extracted from the LFN analysis, and estimated to be N-it similar to 10(10) eV(-1) cm(-2) without and with the passivation layer. This suggested that the accumulation channel induced by the back-gate was not significantly influenced by the passivation layer. The Hooge mobility fluctuation (HMF) model implying the bulk conduction was found to describe the drain current fluctuations in the subthreshold regime, which is rarely observed in other nanodevices, attributed to those extremely thin channel sizes. In the case of the thick-MoS2 (similar to 40 nm-thick) without the passivation, the HMF model was clearly observed all over the operation regime, ensuring the existence of the bulk conduction in multilayer MoS2. With the Al2O3 passivation layer, the change in the noise behavior was explained from the point of formation of the additional top channel in the MoS2 because of the fixed charges in the Al2O3. The interface trap density from the additional CNF model was N-it = 1.8 x 10(12) eV(-1) cm(-2) at the MoS2-Al2O3 interface.

The interactions between metal oxide nanowires and molecular species can significantly affect the electrical properties of metal oxide nanowires. A passivation process is needed to stabilize the electrical characteristics, regardless of the environmental changes. Herein, we investigated the passivation effects of a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) layer on SnO2 nanowire (NW) field-effect transistors (FETs). As a result of the PMMA coating, the electrical properties of the SnO2 NW FETs improved. The electrical noise behavior in both non-passivated and passivated devices can be described with the carrier number fluctuation model associated with the trapping and the release of charge carriers at the surface. The non-passivated devices exhibited higher noise levels than those of the passivated devices. These results demonstrate that surface passivation can lead to the suppression of dynamic responses (electron trapping/release events and scattering fluctuations).

Electrical contacts between the nanomaterial and metal electrodes are of crucial importance both from fundamental and practical points of view. We have systematically compared the influence of contact properties by dc and EIS (Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) techniques at various temperatures and environmental atmospheres (N(2) and 1% O(2)). Electrical behaviors are sensitive to the variation of Schottky barriers, while the activation energy (E(a)) depends on the donor states in the nanowire rather than on the Schottky contact. Equivalent circuits in terms of dc and EIS analyses could be modeled by Schottky diodes connected with a series resistance and parallel RC circuits, respectively. These results can facilitate the electrical analysis for evaluating the nanowire electronic devices with Schottky contacts.

We have successfully demonstrated a ZnO nanorod-based 3D nanostructure to show a high sensitivity and very fast response/recovery to hydrogen gas. ZnO nanorods have been synthesized selectively over the pre-defined area at relatively low temperature using a simple self-catalytic solution process assisted by a lithographic method. The conductance of the ZnO nanorod device varies significantly as the concentration of the hydrogen is changed without any additive metal catalyst, revealing a high sensitivity to hydrogen gas. Its superior performance can be explained by the porous structure of its three-dimensional network and the enhanced surface reaction of the hydrogen molecules with the oxygen defects resulting from a high surface-to-volume ratio. It was found that the change of conductance follows a power law depending on the hydrogen concentration. A Langmuir isotherm following an ideal power law and a cross-over behavior of the activation energy with respect to hydrogen concentration were observed. This is a very novel and intriguing phenomenon on nanostructured materials, which suggests competitive surface reactions in ZnO nanorod gas sensors.

We synthesized a three-dimensional nanorod structure of zinc oxide (ZnO) using a simple sol-gel process and systematically investigated properties of the ZnO nanorods regarding protein adsorption and effect on fluorescence emission. As compared to conventional polystyrene plate that has been widely used for strong protein adsorption, the ZnO nanorods had a superior protein adsorption capacity and significantly amplified fluorescence emission, suggesting the ZnO nanorods are attractive for fluorescence-based biomolecular detection assays. When applied to diagnostic assay of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) probe with a RCGRS motif that reportedly has a strong affinity for ZnO, the ZnO nanorods gave apparently high positive signals for all the RA-positive standards and patient sera, whereas upon the detection using conventional polystyrene plate, all the detection signals were relatively negligible. Moreover, the streptavidin-mediated immobilization of well oriented CCP further enhanced sensitivity, even for a 5000-times diluted patient serum. A highly sensitive detection of a very small amount of RA autoantibodies is important because individuals at high risk of developing RA can be identified several years before the clinical onset. Consequently, the fluorescence-based sensitive assay of RA was successfully performed using the three-dimensional ZnO nanorods, owing to the fluorescence amplification and protein/peptide adsorption properties and dimensionality of ZnO nanorods that in turn increases probe accessibility to anti-CCP RA autoantibodies. Although RA was assayed here for proof-of-concept, the ZnO nanorods-based assay can be applied in general to sensitive detection of a wide variety of antibody or protein targets.

본 연구에서는 기존 실리콘 반도체 기술 기반의 포토 및 이빔 리소그래피 공정을 통하여 유기 반도체 소자를 패터닝하였다. P3HT나 PEDOT 등의 유기 반도체는 용매에 녹기 때문에 MIMIC (micro-molding in capillaries)이나 inkjet printing 기술을 이용하여 마이크로미터 크기의 소자 제작이 가능하였으나, 펜타신은 용매에 녹지 않기 때문에 매우 복잡한 방법으로 마이크로미터크기의 소자를 제작하여왔다. 그러나, 본 연구에서는 원자층 증착 방법으로 증착한 산화 알루미늄막을 펜타신의 보호층으로 이용하여 기존의 포토 및 이빔 리소그래피 방법으로 마이크로미터크기의 펜타신 소자를 제작하였으며 그 전기 특성을 확인하였다.

We report on the fabrication and optoelectronic properties of p-n heterojunction arrays of p(+)-type Si and aligned n-type SnO2 nanowires with high rectification ratios of >10(4) at +/-15 V. The electrical stability of the p-n heterojunction devices was improved by coating the junction with poly(methylmethacrylate) to minimize the degradation of the interface layer at the junction. As a photodiode an enhanced UV photosensitivity higher than 10(2) was recorded under reverse bias. Using a large forward bias in the light-emitting diode mode white light was emitted from the large-scale heterojunction devices with at least three broad peaks in the visible range, which can be attributed to the interband transitions of the injected electrons or holes mediated by an interfacial SnO2 layer with a contribution of trap-level energies. These results indicate the high potential of Si/SnO2 nanowires heterojunctions as optoelectronic devices with proper tuning of the recombination center at the junctions.

We have investigated the temperature-dependent electrical properties of the p–n junction formed between a p-type pentacene film and n-type SnO2nanowires. Rectifying current–voltage characteristics were observed and analyzed by a series resistance and a diode model. As temperature decreased, forward current decreased fitting to the diode equation ofI=I0[exp (ηkT)-1] with a large ideality factor reaching η∼420, indicating large surface states at the junction parts. The activation energy of the series resistance from the Arrhenius plot was estimated to be 35.6 meV indicating the dominant contribution of the pentacene layer as a series resistance in the equivalent model.