Formation of threading defects in GaN wurtzite films grown on nonisomorphic substrates

B. N. Sverdlov, G. A. Martin, H. Morkoç, David Smith

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

158 Scopus citations

Abstract

Possible causes of a dense network of threading defects in epitaxial hexagonal GaN films grown on various substrates are discussed. We show that these defects originate at the substrate/film interface as the boundaries between differently stacked hexagonal domains, and are created by surface steps on substrates nonisomorphic with wurtzite GaN. We argue that these defects are inherent in the epitaxy of wurtzite films on nonisomorphic substrates. As a result, isomorphic substrates such as ZnO and GaN should be explored for wurtzite nitride growth. Possible effects of these defects on the properties of wurtzite nitrides are briefly discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2063
Number of pages1
JournalApplied Physics Letters
Volume67
DOIs
StatePublished - 1995

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physics and Astronomy (miscellaneous)

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