Methods of forming and operating field effect transistors having gate and sub-gate electrodes

Abstract

Field effect transistors include a semiconductor substrate having a channel region of first conductivity type therein extending adjacent a surface thereof. Source and drain regions of second conductivity type are also provided at opposite ends of the channel region. The source and drain regions extend in the semiconductor substrate and form P-N rectifying junctions with the channel region. A gate electrode extends on the channel region and comprises a first electrically conductive material having a first work function. A first sub-gate electrode extends on the channel region and comprises a second electrically conductive material having a second work function that is unequal to the first work function. The second electrically conductive material is preferably selected so that a difference between the second work function and a work function of the channel region is sufficient to form an inversion-layer in a portion of the channel region extending opposite the first sub-gate electrode when the first sub-gate electrode is at a zero potential bias relative to the channel region.