High-temperature operation of III-nitride high-electron-mobility transistors

Abstract

High-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) made with III-nitride materials are of potential use in high-temperature electronic applications including power electronics, communications, aerospace and space exploration. However, the demands of such applications make it essential to understand the thermal limits and performance evolution of III-nitride HEMTs. Here, we analyze the high-temperature operation of III-nitride HEMTs, examining the impact on material properties, device structure, and circuit-level behavior. We explore the role of critical device layers - including barrier and channel engineering, substrate selection, and passivation strategies - in mitigating high-temperature-induced effects, and evaluate the thermal stability of III-nitride HEMTs in logic, radiofrequency, and power electronics applications. We also highlight key remaining challenges in the design and optimization of III-nitride devices for high-temperature applications.