Abstract
In this study, we fabricated a metamorphic high-electron-mobility transistor (mHEMT) device with a T-type gate structure for the implementation of W-band monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) and investigated its characteristics. To fabricate the mHEMT device, a recess process for etching of its Schottky layer was applied before gate metal deposition, and an e-beam lithography using a triple photoresist film for the T-gate structure was employed. We measured DC and RF characteristics of the fabricated device to verify the characteristics that can be used in W-band MMIC design. The mHEMT device exhibited DC characteristics such as a drain current density of 747 mA/mm, maximum transconductance of 1.354 S/mm, and pinch-off voltage of -0.42 V. Concerning the frequency characteristics, the device showed a cutoff frequency of 215 GHz and maximum oscillation frequency of 260 GHz, which provide sufficient performance for W-band MMIC design and fabrication. In addition, active and passive modeling was performed and its accuracy was evaluated by comparing the measured results. The developed mHEMT and device models could be used for the fabrication of W-band MMICs.