Quantum transport of doped rough-edged graphene nanoribbons FET based on TB-NEGF method

Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are considered a promising alternative to graphene for future nanoelectronic applications. However, GNRs-based device modeling is still at an early stage. This research models the electronic properties of n-doped rough-edged 13-armchair graphene nanoribbons (13-AGNRs) and quantum transport properties of n-doped rough-edged 13-armchair graphene nanoribbon field-effect transistors (13-AGNRFETs) at different doping concentrations. Step-up and edge doping are used to incorporate doping within the nanostructure. The numerical real-space nearest-neighbour tight-binding (NNTB) method constructs the Hamiltonian operator matrix, which computes electronic properties, including the sub-band structure and bandgap. Quantum transport properties are subsequently computed using the self-consistent solution of the two-dimensional Poisson and Schrödinger equations within the non-equilibrium Green's function method. The finite difference method solves the Poisson equation, while the successive over-relaxation method speeds up the convergence process. Performance metrics of the device are then computed. The results show that highly doped, rough-edged 13-AGNRs exhibit a lower bandgap. Moreover, n-doped rough-edged 13-AGNRFETs with a channel of higher doping concentration have better gate control and are less affected by leakage current because they demonstrate a higher current ratio and lower off-current. Furthermore, highly n-doped rough-edged 13-AGNRFETs have better channel control and are less affected by the short channel effect due to the lower value of subthreshold swing and drain-induced barrier lowering. The inclusion of dopants enhances the on-current by introducing more charge carriers in the highly n-doped, rough-edged channel. This research highlights the importance of optimizing doping concentrations for enhancing GNRFET-based device performance, making them viable for applications in nanoelectronics.