EXPERIMENTAL-OBSERVATION OF NEGATIVE DIFFERENTIAL RESISTANCE FROM AN INAS/GASB INTERFACE

We have observed negative differential resistance at room temperature from devices consisting of a single interface between n-type InAs and p-type GaSb. InAs and GaSb have a type II staggered band alignment; hence, the negative differential resistance arises from the same mechanism as in a p +-n+ tunnel diode. Room-temperature peak current densities of 8.2×104 A/cm2 and 4.2×104 A/cm2 were measured for structures with and without undoped spacer layers at the heterointerface, respectively.