A steep-switching impact ionization-based threshold switching field-effect transistor

Abstract

A steep switching device with a low subthreshold swing (SS) that overcomes the fundamental Boltzmann limit (kT/q) is required to efficiently process a continuously increasing amount of data. Recently, two-dimensional material-based impact ionization transistors with various structures have been reported with the advantages of a low critical electric field and a unique quantum confinement effect. However, most of them cannot retain steep switching at room temperature, and device performance degradation issues caused by impact ionization-induced hot carriers have not been structurally addressed. In this study, we presented an impact-ionization-based threshold switching field-effect transistor (I²S-FET) fabricated with a serial connection of a MoS₂ FET and WSe₂ impact ionization-based threshold switch (I²S). We obtained repetitive operation with low SS (32.8 mV dec⁻¹) at room temperature, along with low dielectric injection efficiency (10⁻⁶), through a structural design with separation of the conducting region, which determines on-state carrier transport, and the steep-switching region where the transition from off- to on-state occurs via impact ionization. Furthermore, compared to previously reported threshold-switching devices, our device demonstrated hysteresis-free switching characteristics. This study provides a promising approach for developing next-generation energy-efficient electronic devices and ultralow-power applications.