کد مقاله | کد نشریه | سال انتشار | مقاله انگلیسی | نسخه تمام متن |
---|---|---|---|---|
1789834 | 1524395 | 2016 | 5 صفحه PDF | دانلود رایگان |

• Surface hillocks are observed on GaN-on-Si wafers with AlGaN and AlN layers.
• Their origin has been identified by a combined use of FIB, TEM and XRD.
• Ga-rich precipitates in the AlGaN layer are found underneath the hillocks.
• Growth conditions to avoid their formation are suggested.
The origin of surface hillocks (also known as pancake defects) on GaN-on-Si wafers grown by MOVPE has been investigated. FIB/TEM observations confirmed that the appearance of the hillocks is due to the formation of Ga-rich precipitates within the AlGaN buffer layer. XRD (002) FWHM measurements also show that the surface hillocks are associated with a high degree of crystal tilt in the AlN nucleation layer. Two factors are considered to be the cause of such a phase separation: (1) a high density of surface steps associated with the regions of large crystal tilt which act as nucleation centers and (2) a lower mobility of Al adatoms at the growth surface compared with Ga, leading to a preferential incorporation of Ga in the precipitates. The impact of these precipitates on the wafer bow of the structures is considered.
Journal: Journal of Crystal Growth - Volume 434, 15 January 2016, Pages 123–127