4-kV and 2.8-mΩ -cm² Vertical GaN p-n Diodes With Low Leakage Currents

There is great interest in bulk GaN-based power electronics devices for applications requiring breakdown voltages greater than 3.3 kV. In this letter, the vertical GaN p-n diodes fabricated on improved bulk GaN substrates demonstrating low leakage currents (4cm-2) bulk GaN substrates with improved quality and specifications that are uniquely suitable for power electronic device applications. The measured devices show breakdown voltages larger than 4 kV with an area differential specific ON-resistance (Rsp) of less than 3 mΩ-cm2. Applications that would require such breakdown voltages, include ship propulsion, rail, wind, uninterruptable power supplies, and the power grid.