Impact of k-space transfer and band nonparabolicity on electron transport in a GaAs ballistic diode

Abstract
The results of studying a submicron GaAs ballistic diode, using a new multi-valley ( Gamma ,L and X) nonparabolic hydrodynamic transport model, are presented. Numerical simulations indicate that accurately including the effects of nonparabolicity in the streaming terms and k-space transfer in the velocity and energy equations is very important in correctly determining the conductance of the device. The existence and amount of negative differential conductance was determined to be strongly influenced by both of these physical factors. Furthermore, the sensitivity of device conductance to changes in the thermal conductivity is diminished significantly when nonparabolicity is accurately incorporated.