We report on nonlinear electrical properties of three-terminal ballistic ju
nctions (TBJs) based on high-electron-mobility GaInAs/InP quantum-well stru
ctures. Nonlinear electrical transport behavior of the TBJs is found, and w
e show a correlation between this behavior and the linear regime of electro
n transmission in the devices. We also study device geometry effects on the
se electrical properties of the TBJs. Finally, we demonstrate room-temperat
ure operation of the devices. The results obtained are compared with recent
predictions by Xu [H. Q. Xu, Appl. Phys. Lett. 78, 2064 (2001)] and good a
greement is found. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.