Kink effect in current–voltage characteristics of a GaN-based high electron mobility transistor with an AlGaN back barrier

The kink effect in current–voltage (IV) characteristic s seriously deteriorates the performance of a GaN-based HEMT. Based on a series of direct current (DC) IV measurements in a GaN-based HEMT with an AlGaN back barrier, a possible mechanism with electron-trapping and detrapping processes is proposed. Kink-related deep levels are activated by a high drain source voltage (V_ds) and located in a GaN channel layer. Both electron trapping and detrapping processes are accomplished with the help of hot electrons from the channel by impact ionization. Moreover, the mechanism is verified by two other DC IV measurements and a model with an expression of the kink current.