Photoluminescence of Ga-face AlGaN/GaN single heterostructures

Abstract The radiative recombination in Ga-face Al 0.30 Ga 0.70 N/GaN single heterostructures (SHs) was studied by photoluminescence (PL) measurements. An energy shift of the excitonic transitions toward higher energies was observed, indicating the presence of residual compressive strain in the GaN layer. In addition to these exciton lines, a broad band energetically localized between the exciton lines and the LO-phonon replica was noticed in the undoped SH. From its energy position, excitation power dependence, as well as temperature behaviour, we have attributed this luminescence to the H -band (HB), which is representative of the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) recombination.

Excitonic Transitions in Homoepitaxial GaN

The photoluminescence spectrum of a high quality homoepitaxial GaN film has been measured as a function of temperature. As temperature increases the recombination of free excitons dominates the spectra. Their energy shift has successfully fitted in that temperature range by means of the Bose-Einstein expression instead of Varshni's relationship. Values for the parameters of both semi-empirical relations describing the energy shift are reported and compared with the literature.

Si Donor Incorporation in GaN Nanowires

With increasing interest in GaN based devices, the control and evaluation of doping are becoming more and more important. We have studied the structural and electrical properties of a series of Si-doped GaN nanowires (NWs) grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) with a typical dimension of 2-3 μm in length and 20-200 nm in radius. In particular, high resolution energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) has illustrated a higher Si incorporation in NWs than that in two-dimensional (2D) layers and Si segregation at the edge of the NW with the highest doping. Moreover, direct transport measurements on single NWs have shown a controlled doping with resistivity from 10(2) to 10(-3) Ω·cm, and a car…

Optical properties of wurtzite GaN/AlN quantum dots grown on non-polar planes: the effect of stacking faults in the reduction of the internal electric field

The optical emission of non-polar GaN/AlN quantum dots has been investigated. The presence of stacking faults inside these quantum dots is evidenced in the dependence of the photoluminescence with temperature and excitation power. A theoretical model for the electronic structure and optical properties of non-polar quantum dots, taking into account their realistic shapes, is presented which predicts a substantial reduction of the internal electric field but a persisting quantum confined Stark effect, comparable to that of polar GaN/AlN quantum dots. Modeling the effect of a 3 monolayer stacking fault inside the quantum dot, which acts as zinc-blende inclusion into the wurtzite matrix, result…

Domain structure of epitaxial SrRuO3 thin films

Growth of multidomains in epitaxial thin-film oxides is known to have a detrimental effect on some functional properties, and, thus, efforts are done to suppress them. It is commonly accepted that optimal properties of the metallic and ferromagnetic $\mathrm{SrRu}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ (SRO) epitaxies can only be obtained if vicinal $\mathrm{SrTi}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ (001) (STO) substrates are used. It is believed that this results from the suppression of multidomain structure in the SRO film. Here we revise this important issue. Nanometric films of SRO have been grown on STO(001) vicinal substrates with miscut $({\ensuremath{\theta}}_{V})$ angles in the $\ensuremath{\sim}0.04\ifmmode^\circ\else\te…

Reduction of the internal electric field in GaN/AlN quantum dots grown on the a ‐plane of SiC substrates

We present a study of the emission of a multi-layer stack of self-assembled GaN/AlN quantum dots grown on the a -plane of 6H-SiC. We look for signatures of the internal electric field in the power dependence of the time-integrated and time-resolved photoluminescence spectra. The lack of a dynamical red-shift reveals that internal electric fields are significantly reduced in these dots. A band on the low energy side of the emission is observed whose intensity quenches fast when increasing the temperature. The polarization selection rules of the emission are examined in order to determine the physical nature of this band. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Nanotexturing To Enhance Photoluminescent Response of Atomically Thin Indium Selenide with Highly Tunable Band Gap.

Brotons-Gisbert, Mauro et al.

Física por un tubo. Mide la velocidad del sonido en el aire y diviértete con los tubos sonoros

En este trabajo damos las claves para disenar un conjunto de tubos sonoros de PVC que permiten realizar una ejecucion musical en grupo con la participacion de un gran numero de personas sin cultura musical previa. Proponemos ademas la utilizacion de los tubos para el estudio cuantitativo de los fenomenos fisicos involucrados en la generacion del sonido con instrumentos de viento. Se describe la utilizacion de los tubos sonoros, en combinacion con un ordenador y un programa de analisis de sonido, para el analisis de ondas estacionarias y la determinacion de la velocidad de propagacion del sonido en el aire mediante distintos procedimientos.Palabras clave: Acustica; Ondas estacionarias; Veloc…

Deformation profile in GaN quantum dots: Medium-energy ion scattering experiments and theoretical calculations

Medium energy ion scattering (MEIS) has been used to measure at the scale of the monolayer the deformation profile of self-organized GaN quantum dots grown on AlN by molecular-beam epitaxy. The effect of capping the GaN dots by a thin layer of AlN has also been studied. It is shown that GaN dots are partially relaxed in every situation. Capping them with AlN has little effect on the basal plane, as expected, but strongly modifies the strain of the upper part of dots. The experimental results are compared with theoretical calculations, allowing one to conclude that GaN quantum dots experience a nonbiaxial strain, which drastically decreases when going from the basal plane up to the apex of t…

Splitting of surface-related phonons in Raman spectra of self-assembled GaN nanowires

cited By 2; International audience; Micro Raman spectroscopy studies have been performed on GaN nanowires grown by Plasma-Assisted Molecular Beam Epitaxy on Silicon (111) substrate. From the analysis of experimental data, the emergence of a two peaks band located near 700 cm-1 has been attributed to the Raman scattering by surface-related phonons. We have analyzed the surface character of these two modes by changing the dielectric constant of the exterior medium and some experimental parameters. Furthermore, a theoretical model describing the nanowires ensemble by means of an effective dielectric function has been used to interpret the Raman scattering results. Those numerical simulations a…

Optical properties of nitride nanostructures

In this paper we review some recent results on the optical properties of nitride nanostructures, in particular on GaN quantum dots (QDs) and InN nanocolumns (NCs). First, we will give a brief introduction on the particularities of vibrational modes of wurtzite. The GaN QDs, embedded in AlN, were grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) in the Stransky-Krastanov mode on c- and a-plane 6H-SiC. We have studied the optical properties by means of photoluminescence (PL) and performed Raman scattering measurements to analyze the strain relaxation in the dots and the barrier, the effect of the internal electric fields, and the influence of specific growth parameters, like the influence of capping or t…

Optical contrast of 2D InSe on SiO2/Si and transparent substrates using bandpass filters

The particular optical and electronic properties recently reported for 2D InSe depict this 2D material as being very versatile for future electronic and optoelectronic devices with tunable and optimized functionalities. For its fundamental study and the development of practical applications, rapid and accurate identification methods of atomically thin InSe are essential. Here, we demonstrate an enhancement of the optical contrast between InSe nanosheets and the underlying SiO2/Si substrate by illuminating with a 40 nm wide bandpass filter centered at 500 nm. Moreover, we study the optical contrast of 2D InSe on transparent substrates. Our results suggest that a good optical contrast is achi…

Macroscopic and microscopic study of the planar vibrational mode coupling

We investigate the planar vibrational modes (PVMs) of a structure consisting of two parallel slabs of a strange atom (X) inserted in a matrix of a binary material (AB). The study of the coupling of the PVMs has been undertaken with two different approaches. In the first model, the structure is described from a macroscopic point of view, characterizing the physical properties of the constitutive materials by their layer densities, dielectric constants and strain tensors. Adequate boundary conditions are imposed at the material interfaces to obtain the vibrational modes of the structure. In the second model, the study of the planar modes is undertaken from a microscopic point of view, by usin…

Anticrossing of axial and planar surface-related phonon modes in Raman spectra of self-assembled GaN nanowires

cited By 17; International audience; GaN columnar nanostructures usually called nanowires have been investigated by micro-Raman spectroscopy. In addition to conventional Raman scattering by confined optical phonons of a wurtzite structure (i.e., E 2h and QLO modes), an unusual two peaks band centered near 700 cm -1 is observed and analyzed as a function of several experimental parameters (polarization, filling factor, incidence angle). The surface character of these two modes is experimentally confirmed by their high sensitivity to the dielectric constant of the as-grown nanowires surrounding medium. Calculations describing the nanowires' environment by means of an effective dielectric func…

Effect of impurities on Raman and photoluminescence spectra of AlN bulk crystals

ABSTRACTRaman scattering and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy with sub-bandgap excitation has been applied to explore tracing of common impurities (in particular of oxygen) in AlN. Bulk AlN crystals grown by the high temperature sublimation method were studied. PL bands have been observed at around 375 nm and at 560–660 nm and have been attributed to oxygen and to nitrogen vacancy/aluminium excess defects, respectively. The 375 nm UV PL band was found to shift with oxygen concentration. Micro-Raman spectra of the bulk AlN samples were measured in different polarisations. Besides normal Raman modes of AlN the presence of additional vibrational modes was detected. The modes were discussed …

Resonant Raman scattering in self-assembledGaN∕AlNquantum dots

Self-assembled $\mathrm{Ga}\mathrm{N}∕\mathrm{Al}\mathrm{N}$ quantum dots have been investigated by means of Raman scattering. A resonant enhancement of the Raman peaks has been observed when the excitation is tuned above the GaN band-gap energy. The polar mode nature, either quasiconfined or interfacial, has been assigned after comparing with the polar optical modes of spheroidal dots calculated within the framework of the anisotropic dielectric continuum model. The built-in strain of the GaN dots induced a substantial blueshift of the nonpolar ${E}_{2H}$ Raman mode frequency. A theoretical model that analyzes the three-dimensional strain distribution in the quantum dots has been employed …

Phonon dispersion in GaN/AlN non‐polar quantum wells: confinement and anisotropy

We have calculated the phonon dispersion relations in a non-polar GaN/AlN quantum well within the dielectric continuum model and making use of Loudon's model of uniaxial crystals. Due to the strong in-plane anisotropy of this orientation, we have found that in general ordinary and extraordinary phonons are not decoupled. In this work we analyze the conditions for the occurrence of interface modes. In these novel heterostructures there is an added dependence of the phonon dispersion on the orientation of the in-plane phonon wavevector, which allows the existence of interface phonons at energies forbidden in the better known polar structures. Under particular circumstances the vibrations exci…

Evaluation of strain in GaN/AlN quantum dots by means of resonant Raman scattering: the effect of capping

We have studied in detail changes in the strain state of GaN/AlN quantum dots during the capping process. μ-Raman scattering experiments allowed the detection of a resonant mode which provided information on the evolution of strain with capping. Simultaneously, Multiwavelength Anomalous Diffraction (MAD) and Diffraction Anomalous Fine Structure (DAFS) experiments were performed on the same samples, providing the independent determination of the wurtzite lattice parameters a and c. The remarkable agreement between Raman and X-ray data stands out the suitability of polar vibrational modes for the determination of strain in nanostructures. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Influence of strain in the reduction of the internal electric field in GaN/AlN quantum dots grown ona-plane 6H-SiC

The strain state of stacks of GaN/AIN quantum dots (QDs) grown on (0001) and (1120) 6H-SiC has been investigated by means of Raman spectroscopy. Depending on the orientation of the wurtzite axis with respect to the growth direction it is found that the piezoelectric contribution to the electrostatic potential may either reinforce that arising from the spontaneous polarization or oppose it. The experimental results are compared with a theoretical model for the strain and polarization field in QDs of both orientations that allows the calculation of the electrostatic potential in the QDs. Both the experimental results and the theoretical model indicate that the internal electric field and elec…

Effect of chain extender on the morphology, thermal, viscoelastic, and dielectric behavior of soybean polyurethane

Reversed polarized emission in highly strained a-plane GaN/AlN multiple quantum wells

The polarization of the emission from a set of highly strained $a$-plane GaN/AlN multiple quantum wells of varying well widths has been studied. A single photoluminescence peak is observed that shifts to higher energies as the quantum well thickness decreases due to quantum confinement. The emitted light is linearly polarized. For the thinnest samples the preferential polarization direction is perpendicular to the wurtzite $c$ axis with a degree of polarization that decreases with increasing well width. However, for the thickest well the preferred polarization direction is parallel to the $c$ axis. Raman scattering, x-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy studies have been p…

Resonant Raman scattering of core-shell GaN/AlN nanowires.

Abstract We have analyzed the electron–phonon coupling in GaN/AlN core–shell nanowires by means of Raman scattering excited at various wavelengths in the ultraviolet spectral range (335, 325 and 300 nm) and as a function of the AlN shell thickness. The detailed analysis of the multi-phonon spectra evidences important differences with excitation energy. Under 325 and 300 nm excitation the Raman process is mediated by the allowed A 1(LO) phonon mode, where the atoms vibrate along the NW axis. Considering its selection rules, this mode is easily accessible in backscattering along the wurtzite c axis. Interestingly, for 335 nm excitation the scattering process is instead mediated by the E 1(LO)…

Resonant Raman scattering in quantum wells in high magnetic fields: Deformation-potential interaction.

A theoretical study of one-phonon resonant Raman scattering in a quantum well (QW) in high magnetic fields has been performed. The Raman profiles are calculated as a function of magnetic field, quantum-well thickness, and laser frequency. The basic theory is first developed assuming parabolic masses in the plane perpendicular to the growth direction of the QW. Selection rules for deformation-potential-allowed scattering are given and a compact analytical expression for the Raman-scattering efficiency is obtained for infinite barriers. The double-resonance conditions are derived as a function of the magnetic field or well thickness. In a second part of the work, the heavy-hole\char21{}light-…

Role of excitons in double Raman resonances in GaAs quantum wells

Raman scattering by longitudinal-optical phonons has been measured in GaAs-AlAs multiple quantum wells at high magnetic fields. Doubly resonant scattering processes are observed at photon energies corresponding to magneto-excitons with different principal quantum numbers for the incoming and outgoing channels. The existence of these initially forbidden scattering processes, their resonance energies, and their relative intensities are correctly reproduced by our theoretical description. The model takes into account the excitonic nature of the intermediate states, as well as scattering processes involving a nonzero in-plane phonon wave vector, which is required to allow inter-Landau level sca…

Raman study and theoretical calculations of strain in GaN quantum dot multilayers

Changes in strain and phonon mode energy in stacks of self-assembled GaN quantum dots embedded in AlN have been studied by means of Raman spectroscopy as a function of the number of periods. The ${E}_{2H}$ phonon modes related to the quantum dots and AlN spacers are clearly resolved, and their energies allow monitoring the state of strain of the dots and AlN spacers simultaneously. The evolution of the measured phonon frequencies and the associated strains are discussed in comparison with theoretical calculations of the inhomogeneous strain distribution in a system of coherent misfitting inclusions.

Two-phonon magneto-Raman scattering in quantum wells: Fröhlich interaction

We have developed a theoretical model of two-phonon resonant magneto-Raman scattering in a semiconductor quantum well (QW). Frohlich electron-phonon interaction has been considered and the corresponding selection rules are derived for Faraday geometry and backscattering configuration. The resonant profiles are analyzed as a function of magnetic field and laser energy. To simplify the discussion a three-band model with parabolic masses has been used as a first approach, studying later the role of heavy-hole light-hole admixture in the scattering process. It is shown that, due to mixing effects, Frohlich interaction contributes to the two-phonon Raman spectra in the parallel (z(σ ± , σ ± ) z)…

Structural properties of GaN quantum dots

The strain state and the deformation profile of GaN quantum dots embedded in AlN have been measured by high resolution electron microscopy, medium energy ion scattering and grazing incidence X-ray diffraction. The results are compared with theoretical calculations, allowing one to conclude that GaN quantum dots experience a non biaxial strain which drastically decreases when going from the basal plane up to the apex of the dots. We also demonstrate that AlN is distorted in the surroundings of the dots, which provides the driving force for vertical correlation of GaN dots when the AlN spacer between successive planes is thin enough.

The structural properties of GaN/AlN core-shell nanocolumn heterostructures.

International audience; The growth and structural properties of GaN/AlN core-shell nanowire heterostructures have been studied using a combination of resonant x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy experiments. For a GaN core of 20 nm diameter on average surrounded by a homogeneous AlN shell, the built-in strain in GaN is found to agree with theoretical calculations performed using a valence force field model. It is then concluded that for an AlN thickness up to at least 12 nm both core and shell are in elastic equilibrium. However, in the case of an inhomogeneous growth of the AlN shell caused by the presence of steps on the sides of the …

Polarity conversion of GaN nanowires grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy

International audience; It is demonstrated that the N-polarity of GaN nanowires (NWs) spontaneously nucleated on Si (111) by molecular beam epitaxy can be reversed by intercalation of an Al-or Ga-oxynitride thin layer. The polarity change has been assessed by a combination of chemical etching, Kelvin probe force microscopy, cathodo-and photoluminescence spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy experiments. Cathodoluminescence of the Ga-polar NW section exhibits a higher intensity in the band edge region, consistent with a reduced incorporation of chemical impurities. The polarity reversal method we propose opens the path to the integration of optimized metal-polar NW devices on any…

Strain relaxation, extended defects and doping effects in InxGa1-xN/GaN heterostructures investigated by surface photovoltage

Abstract We have analysed electrical properties of extended defects and interfaces in fully strained and partially relaxed InxGa1-xN/GaN heterostructures by means of Kelvin probe force microscopy and surface photovoltage spectroscopy. The study highlights the role of indium incorporation and Si doping levels on the charge state of extended defects including threading dislocations, V defects and misfit dislocations. Surface potential maps reveal that these defects are associated with a different local work function and thus could remarkably alter electron-hole recombination mechanisms of InxGa1-xN/GaN layers locally. Surface photovoltage spectra clearly demonstrate the role of misfit disloca…

Dopant radial inhomogeneity in Mg-doped GaN nanowires

International audience; Using atom probe tomography, it is demonstrated that Mg doping of GaN nanowires grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy results in a marked radial inhomogeneity, namely a higher Mg content in the periphery of the nanowires. This spatial inhomogeneity is attributed to a preferential incorporation of Mg through the m-plane sidewalls of nanowires and is related to the formation of a Mg-rich surface which is stabilized by hydrogen. This is further supported by Raman spectroscopy experiments which give evidence of Mg-H complexes in the doped nanowires. A Mg doping mechanism such as this, specific to nanowires, may lead to higher levels of Mg doping than in layers, boosting the po…

Mg and In Codoped p-type AlN Nanowires for pn Junction Realization.

Efficient, mercury-free deep ultraviolet (DUV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are becoming a crucial challenge for many applications such as water purification. For decades, the poor p-type doping and difficult current injection of Al-rich AlGaN-based DUV LEDs have limited their efficiency and therefore their use. We present here the significant increase in AlN p-doping thanks to Mg/In codoping, which leads to an order of magnitude higher Mg solubility limit in AlN nanowires (NWs). Optimal electrical activation of acceptor impurities has been further achieved by electron irradiation, resulting in tunnel conduction through the AlN NW p-n junction. The proposed theoretical scenario to account f…

Phonon-plasmon coupling in Si doped GaN nanowires

Abstract The vibrational properties of silicon doped GaN nanowires with diameters comprised between 40 and 100 nm are studied by Raman spectroscopy through excitation with two different wavelengths: 532 and 405 nm. Excitation at 532 nm does not allow the observation of the coupled phonon–plasmon upper mode for the intentionally doped samples. Yet, excitation at 405 nm results in the appearance of a narrow peak at frequencies close to that of the uncoupled A 1 (LO) mode for all samples. This behavior points to phonon–plasmon scattering mediated by large phonon wave-vector in these thin and highly doped nanowires.

Vibrational properties of semiconductor nanowires and nanowire heterostructures: ensembles and single nanowires

Growth of zinc-blende GaN on muscovite mica by molecular beam epitaxy

Abstract The mechanisms of plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxial growth of GaN on muscovite mica were investigated. Using a battery of techniques, including scanning and transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, cathodoluminescence, Raman spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction, it was possible to establish that, in spite of the lattice symmetry mismatch, GaN grows in epitaxial relationship with mica, with the [11–20] GaN direction parallel to [010] direction of mica. GaN layers could be easily detached from the substrate via the delamination of the upper layers of the mica itself, discarding the hypothesis of a van der Waals growth mode. Mixture of wurtzite (hexagonal) and z…

Spontaneous intercalation of Ga and In bilayers during plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy growth of GaN on graphene on SiC

The formation of a self-limited metallic bilayer is reported during the growth of GaN by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy on graphene on (0001) SiC. Depending on growth conditions, this layer may consist of either Ga or In, which gets intercalated between graphene and the SiC surface. Diffusion of metal atoms is eased by steps at SiC surface and N plasma induced defects in the graphene layer. Energetically favorable wetting of the (0001) SiC surface by Ga or In is tentatively assigned to the breaking of covalent bonds between (0001) SiC surface and carbon buffer layer. As a consequence, graphene doping and local strain/doping fluctuations decrease. Furthermore, the presence of a metal…

Raman study of self-assembled InAs/InP quantum wire stacks with varying spacer thickness

http://link.aip.org/link/?JAPIAU/104/033523/1

Unraveling the strain state of GaN down to single nanowires

International audience; GaN nanowires (NWs) grown by molecular beam epitaxy are usually assumed free of strain in spite of different individual luminescence signatures. To ascertain this usual assumption, the c/a of a GaN NW assembly has been characterized using both X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, with scaling the measurement down to the single NW. Free-standing single NWs have been observed free of strain-defined as [c/a = (c/a)(o)]/(c/a)(o)-within the experimental accuracy amounting to 1.25 x 10(-4). However, in the general case, a significant portion of the NWs is coalesced, generating an average tensile strain that can be partly released by detaching the NWs from their substr…

Raman study of strain in GaN/AlN quantum dot multilayered structures

Raman spectroscopy has been used to investigate self-assembled stacks of GaN/AlN quantum dots with increasing number of periods. The E2H phonon modes associated to GaN and AlN are clearly resolved with visible excitation, and their energies allow the simultaneous monitoring of the dot and barrier strain states. The compression of the quantum dots is evidenced by a shift of the E2H phonon mode of circa 29 cm–1 to higher energies with respect to its relaxed value. The strain of the AlN spacer is found to be correlated to that of the dot, with an increase in its tensile component for the samples with fewer periods and a partial relaxation for samples over 50 periods. Additionally, resonant eff…

Layered-Expanded Mesostructured Silicas: Generalized Synthesis and Functionalization

Mesostructured layered silicas have been prepared through a surfactant-assisted procedure using neutral alkylamines as templates and starting from atrane complexes as hydrolytic inorganic precursors. By adjusting the synthetic parameters, this kinetically controlled reproducible one-pot method allows for obtaining both pure and functionalized (inorganic or organically) lamellar silica frameworks. These are easily deconstructed and built up again, which provides a simple way for expanding the interlamellar space. The materials present high dispersibility, which results in stable colloidal suspensions.

Growth, structural and optical properties of GaN/AlN and GaN/GaInN nanowire heterostructures

Abstract After discussing the GaN NW nucleation issue, we will present the structural properties of axial and radial (i.e. core/shell) GaN/AlN NW heterostructures and adress the issue of critical thickness during the growth of such heterostructures. Next, we will present the growth of InGaN NWs on a GaN NW base. It will be shown that the morphology and structural properties of the InGaN NW sections depend on the In content: for high In content a flat top is observed and plastic relaxation is occuring, with mismatch dislocations formed at the InGaN/GaN interface. By contrast, for In content below 25% InGaN NWs exhibit a pencil-like shape assigned to a purely elastic strain relaxation process…

Direct assessment of p–n junctions in single GaN nanowires by Kelvin probe force microscopy

Making use of Kelvin probe force microscopy, in dark and under ultraviolet illumination, we study the characteristics of p-n junctions formed along the axis of self-organized GaN nanowires (NWs). We map the contact potential difference of the single NW p-n junctions to locate the space charge region and directly measure the depletion width and the junction voltage. Simulations indicate a shrinkage of the built-in potential for NWs with small diameter due to surface band bending, in qualitative agreement with the measurements. The photovoltage of the NW/substrate contact is studied by analysing the response of NW segments with p- and n-type doping under illumination. Our results show that th…

Raman scattering as a tool for the evaluation of strain inGaN∕AlNquantum dots: The effect of capping

The strain state of $\mathrm{Ga}\mathrm{N}∕\mathrm{Al}\mathrm{N}$ quantum dots grown on $6H\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{Si}\mathrm{C}$ has been investigated as a function of AlN capping thickness by three different techniques. On the one hand, resonant Raman scattering allowed the detection of the ${A}_{1}(\mathrm{LO})$ quasiconfined mode. It was found that its frequency increases with AlN deposition, while its linewidth did not evolve significantly. Available experiments of multiwavelength anomalous diffraction and diffraction anomalous fine structure on the same samples provided the determination of the wurtzite lattice parameters $a$ and $c$ of the quantum dots. A very good agreement is …

Two‐Dimensional Electron Gas Effects on the Photoluminescence from a Nonintentionally Doped AlGaN/GaN Heterojunction

Photoluminescence measurements on an AlGaN/GaN single heterojunction (SH), where piezoelectric and spontaneous polarization effects confine a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG), are presented. Well-defined emissions between the bulk excitonic transitions and their LO-phonon replica are attributed to spatially indirect excitons located close to the interface. The strong interfacial electric field separates photogenerated holes and electrons, weakening their Coulomb interaction and causing a blueshift with increasing excitation intensity due to carrier population effects. In addition, direct experimental proof is obtained by applying an electric field normal to the interface. An energy shift…

Optical characterization of Mg-doped GaN films grown by metalorganic chemical vapor phase deposition

Scanning electron microscopy, micro-Raman, and photoluminescence (PL) measurements are reported for Mg-doped GaN films grown on (0001) sapphire substrates by low-pressure metalorganic chemical vapor phase deposition. The surface morphology, structural, and optical properties of GaN samples with Mg concentrations ranging from 1019 to 1021 cm−3 have been studied. In the scanning micrographs large triangular pyramids are observed, probably due to stacking fault formation and three-dimensional growth. The density and size of these structures increase with the amount of magnesium incorporated in the samples. In the photoluminescence spectra, intense lines were found at 3.36 and 3.31 eV on the tr…

Impact of kinetics on the growth of GaN on graphene by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy.

International audience; The growth of GaN on graphene by molecular beam epitaxy was investigated. The most stable epitaxial relationship, i.e. [00.1]-oriented grains, is obtained at high temperature and N-rich conditions, which match those for nanowire growth. Alternatively, at moderate temperature and Ga-rich conditions, several metastable orientations are observed at the nucleation stage, which evolve preferentially towards [00.1]-oriented grains. The dependence of the nucleation regime on growth conditions was assigned to Ga adatom kinetics. This statement is consistent with the calculated graphene/GaN in-plane lattice coincidence and supported by a combination of transmission electron m…

The role of surface diffusion in the growth mechanism of III-nitride nanowires and nanotubes.

Abstract The spontaneous growth of GaN nanowires (NWs) in absence of catalyst is controlled by the Ga flux impinging both directly on the top and on the side walls and diffusing to the top. The presence of diffusion barriers on the top surface and at the frontier between the top and the sidewalls, however, causes an inhomogeneous distribution of Ga adatoms at the NW top surface resulting in a GaN accumulation in its periphery. The increased nucleation rate in the periphery promotes the spontaneous formation of superlattices in InGaN and AlGaN NWs. In the case of AlN NWs, the presence of Mg can enhance the otherwise short Al diffusion length along the sidewalls inducing the formation of AlN …

Photoluminescence study of excitons in homoepitaxial GaN

High-resolution photoluminescence spectra have been measured in high-quality homoepitaxial GaN grown on a free-standing GaN substrate with lower residual strain than in previous work. Unusually strong and well-resolved excitonic lines were observed. Based on free- and bound exciton transitions some important GaN parameters are derived. The Arrhenius plot of the free A exciton recombination yields a binding energy of 24.7 meV. Based on this datum, an accurate value for the band-gap energy, EG(4.3 K) = 3.506 eV, can be given. From the donor bound excitons and their “two-electron” satellites, the exciton localization energy and donor ionization energy are deduced. Finally, estimates of the ele…

Strain effects and phonon-plasmon coupled modes in Si-doped AlN

The E 2h and A 1 (LO) phonon modes of AlN films grown on sapphire are analyzed by Raman scattering as a function of silicon doping for concentrations covering from 5.5 x 10 19 cm ―3 to 5.2 x 10 21 cm ―3 . For high doping levels the appearance of a mode around 520 cm ―1 indicates the precipitation of crystalline silicon in the samples and its inhomogeneous incorporation to the AlN layer. The frequency of this mode shifts to lower energies with doping, indicating that the silicon crystals are embedded in the AlN lattice and under tensile strain. On the other hand, the AlN phonon modes are blue-shifted due to the compressive strain as a result of the silicon incorporation. This strain is parti…

Residual strain effects on the two-dimensional electron gas concentration of AlGaN/GaN heterostructures

Ga-face AlGaN/GaN heterostructures with different sheet carrier concentrations have been studied by photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy. Compared to bulk GaN, an energy shift of the excitonic emission lines towards higher energies was observed, indicating the presence of residual compressive strain in the GaN layer. This strain was confirmed by the shift of the E2 Raman line, from which biaxial compressive stresses ranging between 0.34 and 1.7 GPa were deduced. The spontaneous and piezoelectric polarizations for each layer of the heterostructures have been also calculated. The analysis of these quantities clarified the influence of the residual stress on the sheet electron concentratio…

Growth, structural and optical properties of AlGaN nanowires in the whole composition range.

International audience; We report on the growth of AlxGa1-xN nanowires by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy for x in the 0.3-0.8 range. Based on a combination of macro- and micro-photoluminescence, Raman spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy experiments, it is shown that the structural and optical properties of AlGaN NWs are governed by the presence of compositional fluctuations associated with strongly localized electronic states. A growth model is proposed, which suggests that, depending on growth temperature and metal adatom density, macroscopic composition fluctuations are mostly of kinetic origin and are directly related to the nucleation of the AlGaN na…

Surface properties of AlInGaN/GaN heterostructure

Abstract Surface structural, electronic and electrical properties of the quaternary alloy AlInGaN/GaN heterostructures are investigated. Surface termination, atomic arrangement, electronic and electrical properties of the (0001) surface and (10–11) V-defect facets have been experimentally analyzed using various surface sensitive techniques including spectroscopy and microscopy. Moreover, the effect of sub-band gap (of the barrier layer) illumination on contact potential difference (VCPD) and the role of oxygen chemisorption have been studied.

Nucleation of GaN nanowires grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy: The effect of temperature

Abstract The growth of GaN nanowires by means of plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy directly on Si(1 1 1) has been investigated as a function of temperature. Statistical analysis of scanning electron microscopy pictures taken for different growth temperatures has revealed that density, diameter, length and length dispersion of nanowires were strongly dependent on temperature. Length dispersion, in particular, was found to be significant at high temperature. These features have been assigned to the different duration of the nucleation process with temperature, namely to the dependence with temperature of the time necessary for the size increase of the three-dimensional precursors up to a…

The structural properties of GaN insertions in GaN/AlN nanocolumn heterostructures.

The strain state of 1 and 2.5 nm thick GaN insertions in GaN/AlN nanocolumn heterostructures has been studied by means of a combination of high resolution transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and theoretical modeling. It is found that 2.5 nm thick GaN insertions are partially relaxed, which has been attributed to the presence of dislocations in the external AlN capping layer, in close relationship with the morphology of GaN insertions and with the AlN capping mechanism. The observed plastic relaxation in AlN is consistent with the small critical thickness expected for GaN/AlN radial heterostructures.

Study of inversion domain pyramids formed during the GaN:Mg growth

AbstractThestudyofstructuraldefectsinducedbytheintroductionofMgduringthegrowthofMOCVDGaNispresented.Themagnesiumincorporationintothecrystalgrowthnotonlyinduceschangesinthestackingsequencefromhex-agonaltocubicstructures,butalsoinvertstheGaNpolarityfromGa-facetoN-face.Basedonthedifferentsurfacestructureandsurfacemigrationlengthofabsorbingprecursorsforeachpolaritytype(Ga-orN-face),the3DgrowthontopoftheN-facetriangulardefectisdescribed.TheN-facematerialischaracterizedbythreedanglingbondsofni-trogenthatpointuptowardthec-planesurface,enhancingthecrystalgrowthalongthec-axis. 2002ElsevierScienceLtd.Allrightsreserved. Keywords:Inversiondomain;Stackingfault;Polarity 1. IntroductionFurther progress tow…

Raman Scattering in CuCl under Pressure

Raman spectra of CuCl were measured under hydrostatic pressures up to 14 GPa at low temperatures (T = 5 K). The anomaly in the Raman lineshape of zincblende CuCl at frequencies near the transverse-optic (TO) mode, which consists of a broad structure with several maxima, disappears at a pressure near 3 GPa. This effect is well reproduced by a model calculation of the anharmonic coupling of the TO mode to acoustic two-phonon states (Fermi resonance). Alternative interpretations of the TO Raman anomaly in terms of local vibrational modes of Cu atoms in off-center positions are not supported by the present results. Raman spectra indicate the existence of the phase CuCl-IIa in a narrow pressure …

Lattice phonon modes of the high-pressure phase CuCl-IV

Raman spectra of isotopically pure CuCl samples ${(}^{63}\mathrm{CuCl}$ and ${}^{65}\mathrm{CuCl})$ were measured under hydrostatic pressure up to 14 GPa at low temperature $(5 \mathrm{K}).$ Up to six Raman modes were resolved for the binary BC8-analog phase CuCl-IV in the range from 4.1 to 14 GPa. The phonon dispersion relations of this phase were calculated within a rigid ion model. Based on this calculation an assignment for the observed Raman-active modes is proposed. The calculated pressure dependences of mode frequencies reproduce the experimental results. Raman spectra support the existence of the phase CuCl-IIa in a narrow pressure range from 3.3 to 4.1 GPa.

Assessment of Polarity in GaN Self-Assembled Nanowires by Electrical Force Microscopy

In this work, we demonstrate the capabilities of atomic force microscopies (AFMs) for the nondestructive determination of the polarity of GaN nanowires (NWs). Three complementary AFMs are analyzed here: Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM), light-assisted KPFM, and piezo-force microscopy (PFM). These techniques allow us to assess the polarity of individual NWs over an area of tens of μm(2) and provide statistics on the polarity of the ensemble with an accuracy hardly reachable by other methods. The precise quantitative analysis of the tip-sample interaction by multidimensional spectroscopic measurements, combined with advanced data analysis, has allowed the separate characterization of elec…

Quantum size confinement in gallium selenide nanosheets: band gap tunability versus stability limitation

Abstract Gallium selenide is one of the most promising candidates to extend the window of band gap values provided by existing two-dimensional semiconductors deep into the visible potentially reaching the ultraviolet. However, the tunability of its band gap by means of quantum confinement effects is still unknown, probably due to poor nanosheet stability. Here, we demonstrate that the optical band gap band of GaSe nanosheets can be tuned by ∼120 meV from bulk to 8 nm thick. The luminescent response of very thin nanosheets (<8 nm) is strongly quenched due to early oxidation. Oxidation favors the emergence of sharp material nanospikes at the surface attributable to strain relaxation. Simul…

Splitting of the surface phonon modes in wurtzite nanowires

We analyze the surface optical modes of GaN nanowires (NW) and perform a comparative study with the characteristics expected for other polar NWs. The theoretical analysis of the modes is performed within the context of the effective medium theory that takes into account the dipolar interaction between neighboring NWs (Maxwell-Garnett approximation). It is shown that deviations of the exciting light from the NWs axis, which coincides with the wurtzite c-axis, result in the anticrossing of two distinct surface phonon branches, leading to their splitting in axial and planar components and the appearance of two peaks in the Raman spectra. Additional calculations are performed that determine th…

Física por un tubo. Mide la velocidad del sonido en el aire y diviértete con los tubos sonoros

En este trabajo damos las claves para diseñar un conjunto de tubos sonoros de PVC que permiten realizar una ejecución musical en grupo con la participación de un gran número de personas sin cultura musical previa. Proponemos además la utilización de los tubos para el estudio cuantitativo de los fenómenos físicos involucrados en la generación del sonido con instrumentos de viento. Se describe la utilización de los tubos sonoros, en combinación con un ordenador y un programa de análisis de sonido, para el análisis de ondas estacionarias y la determinación de la velocidad de propagación del sonido en el aire mediante distintos procedimientos.

MOKE magnetometry as a probe of surface magnetic impurities in electropolymerized magnetic thin films of the Prussian blue analogue Fe3[Cr(CN)6]2·15 H2O

A magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) study has been performed on electrodeposited thin films of the Prussian blue analogue Fe3[Cr(CN)6]2·15H2O (1). This study reveals the onset of hysteretic magnetic signals at temperatures above 60 K, in contrast with magnetic susceptibility measurements which indicate a Curie temperature of 23 K for this ferromagnetic film. The origin of this discrepancy is due to the presence of amorphous iron oxide particles that accumulate in the surface of the material. This report illustrates the potential of MOKE magnetometry for the detection of surface chemical impurities that remain elusive using bulk magnetic techniques.

Depth profiling of optical and vibrational properties in GaN/AlN quantum dot superlattices

Spatially resolved confocal μ-Raman and μ-photoluminescence experiments were performed to analyze the vibrational and optical properties of GaN/AlN quantum dots as a function of depth. Two approaches have been followed. First, spectra were taken by defocusing the microscope objective at various depths on the sample surface. In a second set of experiments a bevel at an angle of 20° with respect to the surface normal was prepared by mechanical polishing of the surface, and spectra were taken across the bevel. The E2h vibrational modes ascribed to the GaN QDs and the AlN spacer redshift towards the surface, indicating the progressive relaxation of the QDs and a considerable increase of the ten…

Anisotropic polarization of non‐polar GaN quantum dot emission

We report on experimental and theoretical studies of the polarization selection rules of the emission of non-polar GaN/AlN self-assembled quantum dots. Time-integrated and time-resolved photoluminescence measurements have been performed to determine the degree of polarization. It is found that the emission of some samples can be predominantly polarized parallel to the wurtzite c axis, in striking difference with the previously reported results for bulk GaN and its heterostructures, in which the emission was preferentially polarized perpendicular to the c axis. Theoretical calculations based on an 8-band k·p model are used to analyze the relative importance of strain, confinement and quantum…

X-ray absorption near-edge structure of GaN with high Mn concentration grown on SiC.

By means of x-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) several Ga(1-x)Mn(x)N (0.03x0.09) layers have been analyzed. The Mn-doped GaN samples consisted of different epilayers grown by molecular beam epitaxy on [0001] SiC substrates. The low mismatch between GaN and SiC allows for a good quality and homogeneity of the material. The measurements were performed in fluorescence mode around both the Ga and Mn K edges. All samples studied present a similar Mn ionization state, very close to 2+, and tetrahedral coordination. In order to interpret the near-edge structure, we have performed ab initio calculations using the full potential linear augmented plane wave method as implemented in the Wien…

Optical study of gallium and nitrogen polarity layers of GaN grown on sapphire

A confocal Raman spectroscopic study was carried out on either side of an intentionally grown GaN inversion domain boundary between a pair of strips with opposite (Ga- or N-) polarity. It is shown that the Raman spectra on the N-polarity side displays an A1(TO) mode, prohibited by symmetry considerations, meanwhile on Ga-polarity material this peak is absent, indicating a lower density of defects present in this region. The Raman spectra reveal that in the lateral direction, the change in structural quality accross the inversion domain boundary is rather continuous and extends along 4 ± 1 μm. (© 2003 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Optical and Vibrational Properties of Self-assembled GaN Quantum Dots

Publisher Summary This chapter describes quantum dots (QDs) based on group III nitrides (III-N). They are expected to be the active medium of new optoelectronic devices operating at high powers and high temperatures. Besides the well-known advantages of their bulk and quantum well (QW) counterparts, III-N QDs provide strong confinement of carriers in nearly perfect zero-dimensional boxes. Quantum effects provide new degrees of freedom for the design of advanced devices. The chapter reviews the systems of dots that appear spontaneously during epitaxial growth without the need of artificial post-processing and designate them as self-assembled or self-organized QDs regardless of the mechanism …

Structural and Electrical Transport Properties of Si doped GaN nanowires

The control and assessment of doping in GaN nanostructures are crucial for the realization of GaN based nanodevices. In this study, we have investigated a series of Si-doped GaN nanowires (NWs) grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) with a typical dimension of 2–3 µm in length, and 20–200 nm in radius. In particular, high resolution energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) has illustrated a higher Si incorporation in NWs than that in two-dimensional (2D) layers and Si segregation at the edge of the NW with the highest doping. Moreover, direct transport measurements on single NWs have revealed a controlled doping with resistivity from 2 × 10−2 to 10−3 Ω.cm for Si doped NWs. Field effect tra…

Resonant Raman characterization of InAlGaN/GaN heterostructures

InAlGaN/GaN heterostructures and thin films with In composition ranging from 0.03 to 0.1 are characterized by means of Raman scattering excited at various energies in the ultra violet range, tuning the laser excitation energy through the band gap of In x Al y Ga 1-x-y N. It is shown that the addition of In to the Al y Ga 1-y N alloy diminishes considerably the vibration energy of the A 1 (LO) phonon mode. The phonon line is asymmetric on the low energy side, and the asymmetry increases with In content, while the main peak shifts to lower energies. A shift of the phonon energy has also been observed when the excitation energy is close to the absorption edge of the In x Al y Ga 1-x-y N layer.…

Temperature dependence of the E2h phonon mode of wurtzite GaN/AlN quantum dots

Raman scattering has been used to study the temperature dependence of the frequency and linewidth of the E2h phonon mode of GaN/AlN quantum dot stacks grown on 6H-SiC. The evolution of the nonpolar phonon mode was analyzed in the temperature range from 80 to 655 K for both quantum dots and barrier materials. The experimental results are interpreted by comparison with a model that takes into account symmetric phonon decay and the different thermal expansions of the constituents of the heterostructure. We find a small increase in the anharmonic parameters of the phonon modes in the heterostructure with respect to bulk. jorbumar@alumni.uv.es Alberto.Garcia@uv.es Ana.Cros@uv.es

Pressure dependence of the exciton absorption and the electronic subband structure of aGa0.47In0.53As/Al0.48In0.52As multiple-quantum-well system

We have measured the optical absorption of a ${\mathrm{Ga}}_{0.47}$${\mathrm{In}}_{0.53}$As/${\mathrm{Al}}_{0.48}$${\mathrm{In}}_{0.52}$As multiple quantum well at 10 K for pressures up to 7 GPa. The energies of optical transitions between heavy- and light-hole subbands and electron levels of the wells show a blueshift with pressure similar to the bulk lowest direct band gap. We observe a decrease with pressure of the energy splitting between heavy- and light-hole subbands with the same quantum number n. From the analysis of the absorption line shape, we have obtained the pressure dependences of exciton binding energies, oscillator strengths, and linewidths. These results are interpreted in…

X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy at the Mn K-edge in highly homogeneous GaMnN diluted magnetic semiconductors

We have studied by X-ray absorption spectroscopy the local environment of Mn in highly homogeneous Ga 1-x Mn x N (0.06 <x<0.14) thin epilayers grown by molecular beam epitaxy on [0001] SiC substrates. The measurements were performed in fluorescence mode around the Ga and Mn K-edges. In this report, we focus our attention to the X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) results. The comparison of the XANES spectra corresponding to the Ga and Mn edges indicates that Mn is substitutional to Ga in all samples studied. The XANES spectra measured at the Mn absorption edge shows in the near-edge region a double peak and a shoulder below the absorption edge and the main absorption peak after …

Surface optical phonon modes in GaN nanowire arrays: Dependence on nanowire density and diameter

We present a systematic study, by means of Raman scattering, of the surface optical modes of GaN nanowires (NW) as a function of the fill factor, defined as the relative concentration of GaN NWs and the surrounding air. We show that changes in the fill factor from 0.8 to 0.3 result in a shift of the surface optical mode of more than 60 cm${}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, which is explained by theoretical calculations of surface vibrations for a cylindrical nanowire based on the dielectric continuum model. Two cases are considered: the effective dielectric function approximation (Maxwell-Garnett approximation) and a model for isolated NWs with various diameters. We conclude, in agreement with the Maxw…

Lattice dynamics of superconducting zirconium and hafnium nitride halides

We have performed a study of the Raman active modes of β-HfNCl, β-ZrNCl, and β-ZrNBr and Na-doped β-HfNCl in various scattering configurations. The experimental values are compared with a lattice dynamical calculation andassigned to definite atomic motions. The variation of the atomic force constants are analyzed as a function of the bond length, relating their relative strength with the atomic characteristics of the compound.

Vibrational modes and strain in GaN/AlN quantum dot stacks: dependence on spacer thickness

We have investigated the influence of spacer thickness on the vibrational and strain characteristics of GaN/AlN quantum dot multilayers (QD). The Raman shift corresponding to the E2h vibrational mode related to the QDs has been analyzed for AlN thicknesses ranging from 4.4 nm to 13 nm, while the amount of GaN deposited in each layer remained constant from sample to sample. It is shown that there is a rapid blue shift of the GaN vibrational mode with spacer thickness when its value is smaller than 7 nm while it remains almost constant for thicker spacers. A rapid increase of the Raman line-width in the thicker samples is also observed. The experimental behavior is discussed in comparison wit…

The influence of AlN buffer over the polarity and the nucleation of self-organized GaN nanowires

We experimentally investigate the influence of AlN buffer growth on the nucleation and the polarity of a self-organized assembly of GaN nanowires (NWs) grown on Si. Two complementary growth mechanisms for AlN buffer deposited on Si are demonstrated. Both emphasize the aggregation of Si on the AlN surface and the growth of large cubic crystallites, namely, AlN pedestals. Further growths of GaN NWs assembly reveal that the GaN 2D layer found at the bottom of the NW assembly is the result of the coalescence of Ga-polar pyramids, whereas AlN pedestals are observed as preferential but not exclusive NW nucleation sites. NWs are N-polar or exhibit inversion domains with a Ga-polar core/N-polar she…

Raman spectra of (PbS)1.18(TiS2)2 misfit compound

Abstract A Raman study on the (PbS)1.18(TiS2)2 semiconductor structure with incommensurate layers (misfit) is reported. The different bands observed in the spectra are attributed to both the TiS2 host layers, at 219 (Eg) and 333 (A1g) cm−1, and the intercalated PbS layers: the LO(Γ), 2LO and 3LO phonons at 203, 412 and 634 cm−1, respectively. A phonon peak probably related to the superposition of TiS2 and PbS vibrations, was observed near 286 cm−1. The decrease of the phonon wave numbers (of the modes located at 203, 333, 412, and 634 cm−1) with increasing laser power pointed out negative temperature coefficients of these modes. A peak appearing with laser power near 151 cm−1 is discussed. …