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X-ray reflectivity method for the characterization of InGaN/GaN quantum well interface

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Piot, N 
Frentrup, M 
Wang, X 
Avenas, Q 

Abstract

jats:titleAbstract</jats:title>jats:sec<jats:label />jats:pA method to characterize the interface of InGaN/GaN quantum wells by X‐ray reflectivity is presented. The interface roughness can be obtained from the ratio of diffuse to specular scatterings obtained on a transverse <jats:inline-graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="graphic/pssb201600664-math-0001.png" xlink:title="urn:x-wiley:15213951:media:pssb201600664:pssb201600664-math-0001" />‐scan. Rotation around the azimuthal <jats:inline-graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="graphic/pssb201600664-math-0002.png" xlink:title="urn:x-wiley:15213951:media:pssb201600664:pssb201600664-math-0002" /> angle allows for information about the directionality of the roughening mechanisms to be obtained. The method allows for quick identification of the presence or absence of gross well width fluctuations in the quantum well, providing that the interface is chemically sharp. When the interface exhibits chemical grading, compositional fluctuations across the terraced structure of the quantum well surface lead to aggravated roughness as the barrier is grown, which may be misinterpreted as gross well width fluctuations. This method carries promises for complementing analysis by transmission electron microscopy as it is non‐destructive, fast, and allows multi‐directional characterization of the roughness. It would therefore be particularly useful to detect process deviation in a production line, where prior knowledge of the sample is already available.</jats:p></jats:sec>

Description

Keywords

III-nitride semiconductors, GaN, InGaN, interfaces, quantum wells, X-ray reflectivity

Journal Title

Physica Status Solidi (B) Basic Research

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0370-1972
1521-3951

Volume Title

254

Publisher

Wiley
Sponsorship
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (TS/G001383/1)
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/H019324/1)
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/I012591/1)
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/M010589/1)
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/G042330/1)
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/E035167/1)
European Research Council (279361)
This work has been funded in part by the EPSRC (under EP/H0495331) and the ERC (grant agreement no. 279361 (MACONS)).