A Novel Optoelectronic Device Based on Correlated Two-Dimensional Fermions

Conventional metallic contacts can be replicated by quantum two dimensional charge (of Fermion) systems (2DFS). Unlike metals, the particle concentration of these "unconventional" systems can be accurately controlled in an extensive range and by means of external electronic or optical stimuli. A 2DFS can, hence, transition from a high-density kinetic liquid into a dilute-but highly correlated-gas state, in which inter-particle Coulombic interactions are significant. Such interactions contribute negatively, by so-called exchange-correlation energies, to the overall energetics of the system, and are manifested as a series negative quantum capacitance. This dissertation investigates the capacitive performance of a class of unconventional devices based on a planar metal-semiconductor-metal structure with an embedded 2DFS. They constitute an opto-electronically controlled variable capacitor, with record breaking figures-of-merit in capacitance tuning ranges of up to 7000 and voltage sensitivities as large as 400. Internal eld manipulations by localized depletion of a dense 2DFS account for the enlarged maximum and reduced minimum capacitances. The capacitance-voltage characteristics of these devices incur an anomalous "Batman" shape capacitance enhancement (CE) of up to 200% that may be triggered optically. The CE is attributed to the release and storage of exchange-correlation energies; from the "unconventional" plate and in the dielectric, respectively. This process is enforced by density manipulation of the 2DFS by a hybrid of an external eld and light-generated carriers. Under moderate optical powers, the capacitance becomes 43 times greater than the dark value; thus a new capacitance-based photodetection method is offered. This new capacitance based photodetection method has a range of applications in optoelectronics, particularly in the next generation of photonic integrated systems.Ph.D., Electrical Engineering -- Drexel University, 201