0000000000505416
AUTHOR
Maria Grazia Proietti
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)
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.