N-type ohmic contacts to undoped GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells using only front-sided processing: application to ambipolar FETs

Abstract

We report the development of a simple and reliable, front-sided-only fabrication technique for n-type ohmic contacts to two-dimensional electron gases (2DEGs) in undoped GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells. We have adapted the well-established recessed ohmic contacts/insulated metal gate technique for inducing a 2DEG in an undoped triangular well to also work reliably for undoped square quantum wells. Our adaptation involves a change in the procedure for etching the ohmic contact pits to optimise the etch side-wall profile and depth. As an application of our technique, we present a front-side-gated ambipolar field effect transistor (FET), where both 2D electron and hole gases can be induced in the same quantum well. We present results of low-temperature (0.3 K - 4 K) transport measurements of this device, including assessment of the n-type ohmic contact quality. On the basis of our findings, we discuss why the fabrication of these contacts is difficult and how our technique circumvents the challenges.