Characterization of Subgap Density-of-States by Sub-Bandgap Optical Charge Pumping in In0.53Ga0.47As Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors

We report an experimental characterization of the interface states (Dit(E)) by using the subthreshold drain current with optical charge pumping effect in In0.53Ga0.47As metal-oxide-semiconductor fieldeffect transistors (MOSFETs). The interface states are derived from the difference between the dark and photo states of the current–voltage characteristics. We used a sub-bandgap photon (i.e., with the photon energy lower than the bandgap energy, Eph < Eg) to optically excite trapped carriers over the bandgap in In0.53Ga0.47As MOSFETs. We combined a gate bias-dependent capacitance model to determine the channel length-independent oxide capacitance. Then, we estimated the channel length-independent interface states in In0.53Ga0.47As MOSFETs having different channel lengths (Lch = 5, 10, and 25 [μm]) for a fixed overlap length (Lov = 5 [μm]).

Electrometry by optical charge conversion of deep defects in 4H-SiC

Optically active point defects in various host materials, such as diamond and silicon carbide (SiC), have shown significant promise as local sensors of magnetic fields, electric fields, strain, and temperature. Modern sensing techniques take advantage of the relaxation and coherence times of the spin state within these defects. Here we show that the defect charge state can also be used to sense the environment, in particular high-frequency (megahertz to gigahertz) electric fields, complementing established spin-based techniques. This is enabled by optical charge conversion of the defects between their photoluminescent and dark charge states, with conversion rate dependent on the electric field (energy density). The technique provides an all-optical high-frequency electrometer which is tested in 4H-SiC for both ensembles of divacancies and silicon vacancies, from cryogenic to room temperature, and with a measured sensitivity of 41±8(V/cm)2/Hz. Finally, due to the piezoelectric character of SiC, we obtain spatial 3D maps of surface acoustic wave modes in a mechanical resonator.