Energy-filtered cold electron devices and methods
AssigneeBoard of Regents, The University of Texas System
InventorsSeong Jin KOH, Pradeep BHADRACHALAM, Liang-Chieh MA
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Energy-filtered cold electron devices use electron energy filtering through discrete energy levels of quantum wells or quantum dots that are formed through band bending of tunneling barrier conduction band. These devices can obtain low effective electron temperatures of less than or equal to 45K at room temperature, steep electrical current turn-on/turn-off capabilities with a steepness of less than or equal to 10 mV/decade at room temperature, subthreshold swings of less than or equal to 10 mV/decade at room temperature, and/or supply voltages of less than or equal to 0.1 V.
Claims24
1-55. (canceled)
A device component that injects electrons or holes comprising:
- an electrode;
- a quantum well, quantum dot, or both disposed adjacent to the electrode, wherein an energy level spacing of the quantum well, quantum dot, or both are at least 250 meV or larger;
- and
- a tunneling barrier disposed adjacent to the quantum well,
- wherein electron thermal excitation at room temperature is suppressed without any external cooling.
(canceled)
71-74. (canceled)
79-150. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.