We propose an InAs/GaSb/AlSb-based asymmetric resonant interband tunneling diode (a-RITD) as a spin filter. The device exploits the Rashba effect to achieve spin polarization under zero magnetic field using nonmagnetic III-V semiconductor heterostructures. We discuss the basic principles of the interband tunneling spin filter, and present modeling results that demonstrate its advantage. We also propose an implementation procedure for realizing device structure.

Resonant tunnelling diode based logic circuits offer significant advantages for low power, ultra-high-speed applications. In this work, a low-power resonant interband tunneling diode (RITD)-based logic technology capable of operating at clock rates of at least 12 GHz is reported. The circuits are fabricated using InAs/AlSb/GaSb RITDs. Fanout of at least two at a clock rate of 10 GHz is also reported for two AND gates in a two-stage pipelined configuration. Simulation results for an RITD/HFET circuit based on measured characteristics of InAs/AlSb/GaSb RITDs and InAs-channel HFETs for a simple inverting Schmitt trigger are presented to demonstrate the advantages of an integrated RITD/HFET technology. This circuit architecture demonstrates proper operation with power supply voltages as low as 0.5 V. In addition, well defined logic levels and abrupt logic transitions are achieved, despite the limited transconductance and large output conductance typical of InAs-channel HFETs.

The resonant tunneling diode (RTD) has been widely studied because of its importance in the field of nanoelectronic science and technology and its potential applications in very high speed/functionality devices and circuits. Even though much progress has been made in this regard, additional work is needed to realize the full potential of RTD's. As research on RTD's continues, we will try in this tutorial review to provide the reader with an overall and succinct picture of where we stand in this exciting field or research and to address the following questions: What makes RTD's so attractive? To what extent can RTD's be modeled for design purposes? What are the required and achievable device properties in terms of digital logic applications? To address these issues, we review the device operational principles, various modeling approaches, and major device properties. Comparisons among the various RTD physical models and major features of RTD's, resonant interband tunneling diodes, and Esaki tunnel diodes are presented. The tutorial and analysis provided in this paper may help the reader in becoming familiar with current research efforts, as well as to examine the important aspects in further RTD developments and their circuit applications.