Monolayer MoS2 self-switching diodes

This paper presents a new molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) nanodevice that acts as a two-terminal field-effect rectifier. The device is an atomically-thin two-dimensional self-switching diode (SSD) that can be realized within a single MoS2 monolayer with very minimal process steps. Quantum simulation results are presented confirming the device's operation as a diode and showing strong non-linear I-V characteristics. Interestingly, the device shows p-type behavior, in which conduction is dominated by holes as majority charge carriers and the flow of reverse current is enhanced, while the flow of forward current is suppressed, in contrast to monolayer graphene SSDs, which behave as n-type devices. The presence of a large bandgap in monolayer MoS2 results in strong control over the channel, showing complete channel pinch-off in forward conduction, which was confirmed with transmission pathways plots. The device exhibited large leakage tunnelling current through the insulating trenches, which may have been due to...