Schottky barriers on n-GaN grown on SiC

Characteristics of Schottky barriers fabricated on n-type GaN were investigated. The barriers were formed by vacuum thermal evaporation of Cr, Au, and Ni. Current-voltage (I-V) and capacitance-voltage (C-V) characteristics of the barriers were measured in a wide temperature and current density range. Fundamental parameters (barrier height and built-in potential) of the Schottky barriers were determined. The dependence of the barrier ideality factor on doping concentration in GaN was measured. Correlation between the barrier height and metal work function was observed. The electron affinity for GaN was determined using both C-V and I-V characteristics. The current flow mechanism through the barriers is discussed.