Graphene/GaN Schottky diodes: Stability at elevated temperatures

Rectification and thermal stability of diodes formed at graphene/GaN interfaces have been investigated using Raman Spectroscopy and temperature-dependent current-voltage measurements. The Schottky barriers formed between GaN and mechanically transferred graphene display rectification that is preserved up to 550 K with the diodes eventually becoming non-rectifying above 650 K. Upon cooling, the diodes show excellent recovery with improved rectification. We attribute these effects to the thermal stability of graphene, which acts like an impenetrable barrier to the diffusion of contaminants across the interface, and to changes in the interface band alignment associated with thermally induced dedoping of graphene. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3628315]