Giant random telegraph signal generated by single charge trapping in submicron n-metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors

We report on the current fluctuations of random telegraph signal experimentally observed at cryogenic temperatures in ordinary submicron Si/SiO2 metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). A giant drain current fluctuation Delta I/I up to 55% is observed at sub-Kelvin temperature in samples with a large channel width. The current variation is compatible with predictions for decanano MOSFETs at room temperature. The similarity suggests the formation of a quasi-one-dimensional conduction channel at gate voltages sufficiently close to the threshold voltage. (C) 2008 American Institute of Physics.