Acoustic charge transport in a n-i-n three terminal device

Abstract

We present a novel scheme for acoustic-charge-transport devices based on a n-i-n lateral junction as electron injector and show that surface acoustic waves are able to pick up electrons from a current flowing through the junction and drive them towards an Ohmic output contact. The main advantage of this geometry is the possibility to drive the n-i-n injector by means of both voltage or current signals. The device also includes a pair of lateral gates to allow further control on the collector current. We show device performance in both voltage-and current-driven regimes, discuss output contact current dependence from SAW power and temperature and the possibility to modulate charge transfer to the output contact by properly biasing the lateral gates. © 2007 American Institute of Physics.