AlGaAs/GaAs and InAlAs/InGaAs heterostructure barrier varactors

By the Schrödinger and Poisson equations, we have theoretically investigated AlGaAs/GaAs and InAlAs/InGaAs single barrier varactors. The energy band structure, carrier distribution, and conduction current are fully exploited for varactor design. We have explained the experimental current–voltage and capacitance–voltage measurements very well. A simple analytical model for energy band structure is derived based on the Schrödinger and Poisson equation calculation. It is found that a barrier structure of 3 nm Al0.3Ga0.7As/3 nm AlAs/3 nm Al0.3Ga0.7As for an Al0.3Ga0.7As/GaAs varactor and a barrier structure of 8 nm In0.52Al0.48As/3 nm AlAs/8 nm In0.52Al0.48As for In0.52Al0.48As/In0.47GaAs are optimal for minimal conduction currents.