Non-percolating nanotube networks for thin film transistors: A pathway to channel length reduction

This study outlines a method to increase the transconductance of thin film transistors (TFTs) by assembling non-percolating random arrays of carbon nanotubes. It represents an effective, simple tool to substantially reduce the transistor channel length, thus increase transconductance, without lessening the on/off ratio. When non-percolating arrays of carbon nanotubes are linked via a semiconducting overlay, the majority of current paths between source and drain follow the highly conducting nanotubes with short, switchable semiconducting links completing the circuit. This field-induced percolating network allows for high transconductance with relatively large source—drain distance. Thus, transistors can be manufactured inexpensively by commercially available techniques using a variety of available semiconductors.