Cross-sectional and plan-view cathodoluminescence of GaN partially coalesced above a nanocolumn array

K.J. Lethy, P.R. Edwards, Chaowang Liu, Wang N. Wang, R.W. Martin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Citations (SciVal)
205 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The optical properties of GaN layers coalesced above an array of nanocolumns have important consequences for advanced optoelectronic devices. GaN nanocolumns coalesced using a nanoscale epitaxial overgrowth technique have been investigated by high resolution cathodoluminescence (CL) hyperspectral imaging. Plan-view microscopy reveals partially coalesced GaN layers with a sub-μm scale domain structure and distinct grain boundaries, which is mapped using CL spectroscopy showing high strain at the grain boundaries. Cross-sectional areas spanning the partially coalesced GaN and underlying nanocolumns are mapped using CL, revealing that the GaN bandedge peak shifts by about 25 meV across the partially coalesced layer of ∼2 μm thick. The GaN above the nanocolumns remains under tensile strain, probably due to Si out-diffusion from the mask or substrate. The cross-sectional data show how this strain is reduced towards the surface of the partially coalesced layer, possibly due to misalignment between adjacent partially coalesced regions.
Original languageEnglish
Article number023507
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Applied Physics
Volume112
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Jul 2012

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Cross-sectional and plan-view cathodoluminescence of GaN partially coalesced above a nanocolumn array'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this