Multilayer semiconductor device having multiple paths of current flow

Abstract

A multilayer semiconductor structure is disclosed having a plurality of conducting layers separated by a barrier layer. A common contact extends from an upper exposed surface to all the layers of the device and a surface contact extends from the upper surface into an uppermost conducting layer. Each of the conducting layers defines an independent channel of current flow thereby providing at least two independent current paths between the common contact and the surface contact. A Schottky barrier electrode is disposed on the surface of the structure between the common and surface contacts and is operable to selectively deplete charge carriers within the conducting layers sequentially to cause current to flow through the desired channel. The current flow in each channel results in an independent I/V characteristic curve in which one channel is linear and the other channel is non-linear.