Nanoscale GaN Epilayer Grown by Atomic Layer Annealing and Epitaxy at Low Temperature
Journal
ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering
Journal Volume
7
Journal Issue
1
Pages
487-495
Date Issued
2019
Author(s)
Abstract
Heteroepitaxy with large thermal and lattice mismatch between the semiconductor and substrate is a critical issue for high-quality epitaxial growth. Typically, high growth temperatures (>1000 °C) are required to achieve high-quality GaN epilayers by conventional metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. In this study, the high-quality GaN heteroepitaxy is realized by atomic layer annealing and epitaxy (ALAE) at a low growth temperature of 300 °C. The layer-by-layer, in situ He/Ar plasma treatment at a low plasma power was introduced in each cycle of atomic layer deposition to contribute the effective annealing effect for significant enhancement of the GaN crystal quality. The Penning effect is responsible for significant improvement of the GaN crystal quality due to the incorporation of He into the Ar plasma. The high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, nano-beam electron diffraction, and atomic force microscopy reveal a high-quality nanoscale single-crystal GaN heteroepitaxy and a very smooth surface. The full width at half-maximum of the X-ray rocking curve of the GaN epilayer is as low as 168 arcsec. The low-temperature ALAE technique is highly beneficial to grow high-quality nanoscale GaN epilayers for sustainable, energy-saving, and energy-efficient devices including high-performance solid-state lighting, solar cells, and high-power electronics. © Copyright 2018 American Chemical Society.
SDGs
Other Subjects
Annealing; Atomic force microscopy; Atomic layer deposition; Atomic layer epitaxy; Energy conservation; Energy efficiency; Epilayers; Gallium nitride; Growth temperature; III-V semiconductors; Lattice mismatch; Lighting; Metallorganic chemical vapor deposition; Nanotechnology; Organic chemicals; Organometallics; Plasma applications; Silicon on insulator technology; Single crystals; Substrates; Superconducting films; Wide band gap semiconductors; Atomic layer; High growth temperatures; High power electronics; Low growth temperature; Nanobeam electron diffraction; Plasma treatment; Solid state lighting; Thermal and lattice mismatches; High resolution transmission electron microscopy
Publisher
American Chemical Society
Type
journal article