Abstract
A III-nitride-based semiconductor device is provided. The III-nitride semiconductor device includes a silicon substrate having a surface with a periodic array of recesses formed therein. A discontinuous insulating layer is formed within each recess of the periodic array of recesses such that a portion of the silicon substrate surface between adjacent recesses is free from coverage of the discontinuous insulating layer. A first epitaxial III-nitride semiconductor layer is formed over the silicon substrate with the periodic array of recesses and discontinuous insulating layer formed thereon. A second III-nitride semiconductor layer is disposed over the first III-nitride semiconductor layer and has a bandgap greater than a bandgap of the first III-nitride semiconductor layer. At least one source and at least one drain are disposed over the second III-nitride semiconductor layer. A gate is also disposed over the second III-nitride semiconductor layer between the source and the drain.