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The intrinsic lower limit of contact resistivity (ρcLL) for InAs, In0.53Ga0.47As, GaSb, and Si is calculated using a full band ballistic quantum transport approach. Surprisingly, our results show that ρcLL is almost independent of the semiconductor. An analytical model, derived for 1D, 2D, and 3D, correctly reproduces the numerical results and explains why ρcLL is very similar in all cases. Our analysis sets a minimal carrier density required to meet the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors call for ρc=10−9 Ω-cm2 by 2023. Comparison with experiments shows there is room for improvement, which will come from optimizing interfacial properties.
Maassen et al. (Mon,) studied this question.