Semester
Spring
Date of Graduation
2014
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
College
Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources
Department
Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering
Committee Chair
Dimitris Korakakis
Committee Co-Chair
Jeremy M. Dawson
Committee Member
Lawrence A. Hornak
Abstract
The group III-nitride system of materials has had considerable commercial success in recent years in the solid state lighting (SSL) and power electronics markets. The need for high efficient general lighting applications has driven research into InGaN based blue light emitting diodes (LEDs), and demand for more efficient power electronics for telecommunications has driven research into AlGaN based high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs). However, the group III-nitrides material properties make them attractive for several other applications that have not received as much attention. This work focuses on developing group III-nitride based devices for novel applications.;GaN is a robust, chemically inert, piezoelectric material, making it an ideal candidate for surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices designed for high temperature and/or harsh environment sensors. In this work, SAW devices based on GaN are developed for use in high temperature gas or chemical sensor applications. To increase device sensitivity, while maintaining a simple one-step photolithography fabrication process, devices were designed to operate at high harmonic frequencies. This allows for GHz regime operation without sub-micron fabrication. One potential market for this technology is continuous emissions monitoring of combustion gas vehicles.;In addition to SAW devices, high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) were developed. The epitaxial structure was characterized and the 2-D electron gas concentrations were simulated and compared to experimental results. Device fabrication processes were developed and are outlined. Fabricated devices were electrically measured and device performance is discussed.
Recommended Citation
Justice, Joshua L., "Group III-nitride devices and applications" (2014). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 465.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/465