Microstructure of Heteroepitaxial ZnTe Grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy on Si(211) Substrates

The interface of ZnTe/Si(211) grown by molecular beam epitaxy was investigated by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Several types of defects such as misfit dislocations, stacking faults, agglomerations of vacancies, and precipitates were observed and studied by electron microscopy at the ZnTe/Si interface. The distribution of misfit dislocations at the interface was revealed with the assistance of the fast Fourier transformation filtering technique. A stick-and-ball interface model including misfit dislocation geometry is proposed. The possible origins of the stacking faults, vacancies, and precipitates are discussed.     

Microstructural Characterization of CdTe(211)B/ZnTe/Si(211) Heterostructures Grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy

Transmission electron microscopy and small-probe microanalysis have been used to investigate the microstructure and compositional profiles of CdTe(211)B/ZnTe/Si(211) heterostructures. Thin ZnTe buffer layers and subsequent thick CdTe layers were grown on Si(211) substrates using molecular beam epitaxy. Many {111}-type stacking faults were found to be present throughout the entire ZnTe layer, terminating near the point of initiation of CdTe growth. A rotation angle of about 3.5° was observed between lattice planes of the Si substrate and the final CdTe epilayer. Local lattice parameter measurement and elemental profiles indicated that some intermixing of Zn and Cd had taken place. The average widths of the ZnTe layer and the (Cd,Zn)Te transition region were found to be roughly 6.5 nm and 3.5 nm, respectively.     

Study of HgCdSe Material Grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy

Much progress has been made in developing high-quality HgCdTe/Si for large-area focal-plane array (FPA) applications. However, even with all the material advances made to date, there is no guarantee that this technology will be mature enough to meet the stringent FPA specifications required for long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) systems. With this in mind, the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) has begun investigating HgCdSe material for infrared (IR) applications. Analogous to HgCdTe, HgCdSe is a tunable semiconductor that can detect any wavelength of IR radiation through control of the alloy composition. In addition, several mature, large-area bulk III–V substrates are nearly lattice matched to HgCdSe, giving this system a possible advantage over HgCdTe, for which no scalable, bulk substrate technology exists. We have initiated a study of the growth of HgCdSe using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Growth temperature and material flux ratios were varied to ascertain the best growth conditions. Smooth surface morphology has been achieved using a growth temperature much lower than that used for HgCdTe. Additionally, zero void defects were nucleated at these lower temperatures. Preliminary data suggest a linear relationship between the Se/Cd flux ratio used during growth and the cutoff wavelength as measured by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.     

Determination of Critical Thickness for Epitaxial ZnTe Layers Grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy on (211)B and (100) GaSb Substrates

Cross-section electron micrographs, cathodoluminescence images, and confocal photoluminescence (cPL) images have been acquired for ZnTe layers deposited to various thicknesses on GaSb substrates with (211)B and (100) orientations. The critical thickness of ZnTe on GaSb is predicted to range between 115 nm and 329 nm, depending on the theoretical approach chosen. For ZnTe layers grown on (211)B GaSb with thickness exceeding 150 nm, dark spots and lines are present in all images. We associate these with dislocations generated at the ZnTe/GaSb interface. The discrepancy between this thickness value and a critical thickness value (350 nm to 375 nm) obtained for the (211)B orientation in a previous study is related to the distinction between the onset of misfit dislocations and the onset of significant plastic deformation. The former requires a direct imaging technique, as strain-related measurements such as x-ray diffraction do not have the resolution to detect the effects of small numbers of dislocations. For ZnTe layers on (100) GaSb, x-ray diffraction measurements indicate an abrupt change characteristic of dislocation multiplication at a thickness value in the range from 250 nm to 275 nm. High-resolution electron micrographs of the ZnTe/GaSb interface indicate that deoxidation using atomic hydrogen produces GaSb surfaces suitable for ZnTe epitaxy. cPL images of a 1.2-μm-thick lattice-matched ZnTe_0.99Se _0.01 layer grown on a 150-nm-thick ZnTe buffer layer on a (211)B GaSb substrate yield a threading dislocation density of ～7 × 10⁴ cm^?2.     

Characterization of PbSnSe/CdTe/Si (211) Epilayers Grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy

Narrow-bandgap PbSnSe has received much attention as a promising alternative material for mid- and long-wavelength high performance of infrared detection at relatively high operating temperatures owing to the weak composition dependence of its bandgap, which can intrinsically result in better uniformity. Additionally, it possesses a high dielectric constant that is anticipated to be much more tolerant to defects. In addition, its growth by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) can be easily accomplished in comparison with HgCdTe and many III–V quantum well and superlattice materials. However, overcoming the high lattice and thermal mismatches between PbSnSe and CdTe/Si substrates and improving the crystalline quality of PbSnSe grown on CdTe/Si substrates are challenges that require further study. Additionally, interdiffusion between CdTe and PbSnSe can take place and lead to nonuniform distributions of elements in PbSnSe. Epitaxial crystal PbSnSe alloy films were grown by MBE and were investigated by scanning and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (STEM/HRTEM). Etch pit density (EPD) measurements were done to determine the density of threading defects in the films. EPD measurements on PbSnSe surfaces gave values in the mid-10⁶ cm⁻² range. The dislocations exposed as etch pits were found to accumulate and form small-angle grain boundaries lined up along the () direction, which is the intersection line between (100) and (211) growth planes.     

分子束外延InAs/GaSb II类超晶格材料

InAs/GaSb II类超晶格由于具有独特的能带结构和良好的材料性能被认为是第三代红外探测器的首选,近年来被广泛研究,并取得快速发展。分子束外延能够精确控制材料界面与周期厚度,是超晶格材料生长的主流手段。利用分子束外延技术在GaSb衬底上分别生长了中波、长波超晶格材料,并对所生长的超晶格材料的性能进行了全面表征,最后用制备的面阵器件验证了该材料的性能。}     

Terahertz Emission from GaAs Films on Si(100) and Si(111) Substrates Grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy

We report on the terahertz emission from femtosecond-laser-irradiated GaAs layers grown on Si(100) and Si(111) substrates. The results show that the terahertz emission from GaAs on Si is stronger than that of a semi-insulating bulk GaAs crystal. This increase is attributed to the strain field at the GaAs/Si interface. In the GaAs of the Si(100) sample, the stronger terahertz emission is observed compared with GaAs on Si(111). Moreover, the effect of changing the doping type of the Si substrate from n-type to semi-insulating was also studied and it was found that the terahertz emission intensity of GaAs on semi-insulating Si(100) is stronger than that of GaAs on n-type Si(100). Finally, strong terahertz emission from GaAs on semi-insulating Si(100) was observed not only in the reflection geometry but also in the transmission geometry. These results hold promise for new applications of terahertz optoelectronics.     

Photoluminescence Characterization of Boron-doped Si Layers Grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy

Photoluminescence spectra were used to characterize the boron-doped Si layers grown by molecular beam epitaxy using HBO2 as the doping source. The influence of boron doping concentration on the dislocation-related photoluminescence spectra of molecular beam epitaxy Si layers annealed at 900 ℃ was studied with different doping concentrations and growth temperature. The broad photoluminescence band（from 0.75 eV to 0. 90 eV） including D1 and D2 bands was associated with high boron doping concentration in the samples, while D3 and D4 bands might be related to oxygen precipitates.     

Characterization of HgCdTe Films Grown on Large-Area CdZnTe Substrates by Molecular Beam Epitaxy

Recent advances in growth of Hg_1?x Cd _x Te films on large-area (7 cm × 7.5 cm) CdZnTe (CZT) substrates is presented. Growth of Hg_1?x Cd _x Te with good uniformity on large-area wafers is achieved using a Riber 412 molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) tool designed for growth of Hg_1?x Cd _x Te compounds. The reactor is equipped with conventional CdTe, Te, and Hg sources for achieving uniform exposure of the wafer during growth. The composition of the Hg_1?x Cd _x Te compound is controlled in situ by employing a closed-loop spectral ellipsometry technique to achieve a cutoff wavelength (λ _co) of 14 μm at 78 K. We present data on the thickness and composition uniformity of films grown for large-format focal-plane array applications. The composition and thickness nonuniformity are determined to be <1% over the area of a 7 cm × 7.5 cm wafer. The films are further characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, optical microscopy, and Hall measurements. Additionally, defect maps show the spatial distribution of defects generated during the epitaxial growth of the Hg_1?x Cd _x Te films. Microdefect densities are in the low 10³ cm^?2 range, and void defects are below 500 cm^?2. Dislocation densities less than 5 × 10⁵ cm^?2 are routinely achieved for Hg_1?x Cd _x Te films grown on CZT substrates. HgCdTe 4k × 4k focal-plane arrays with 15 μm pitch for astronomical wide-area infrared imagers have been produced using the recently developed MBE growth process at Teledyne Imaging Sensors.     

ZnO Grown on (111) ZnS Substrates by Plasma-Assisted Molecular Beam Epitaxy

ZnO thin films have been grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy on (111) ZnS substrates. The films grown on Zn-face substrates showed better structural and optical properties compared with those grown on S-face substrates, as demonstrated by x-ray diffraction and photoluminescence measurements. Scanning electron microscopy measurements indicated that ZnO films grown on Zn-face substrates also have smoother surface morphology. It is also found that higher growth temperature yields films with better quality.     

Microstructure of Heteroepitaxial ZnTe Grown on GaAs(211)B by Molecular Beam Epitaxy

ZnTe was grown on GaAs(211)B by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Structural properties and strain relaxation at the ZnTe/GaAs(211)B interface were investigated by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Application of digital image processing involving a filtered inverse fast Fourier transformation revealed an array of misfit dislocations at the interface and allowed strain relaxation to be estimated. Only one twin defect was observed in the HRTEM images, and details of this twin defect were investigated by STEM.     

分子束外延GaAs/Si应变层的光致发光和光反射谱研究

研究了分子束外延GaAs/Si光致发光谱的激发强度和温度依赖关系。确定出2个本征发光峰,分别对应于导带至m_J=±3/2和m_J=±1/2价带的复合。这种价带的移动和分裂归因于由GaAs和Si的热膨胀系数不同所引起的GaAs层双轴张应力。还观测到4个非本征发光峰,分别为导带至m_J=±1/2碳受主态发光、可能与缺陷有关的发光以及可能由Mn和Cu受主杂质引起的发光。室温下将GaAs/Si和GaAs/GaAs材料的光反射谱进行比较,前者明显向低能移动约8meV,观测到3个特征谱结构,与光致发光结果相一致。     

Demonstration of AlGaN/GaN High-Electron-Mobility Transistors Grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy on Si(110)

The growth of AlGaN/GaN-based heterostructure on Si(110) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy using ammonia as the nitrogen precursor is reported. The structural, optical, and electrical properties of such heterostructure are assessed and are quite similar to the ones obtained on Si(111). A 2-D electron gas is formed at the $hbox{Al}_{0.3}hbox{Ga}_{0.7}hbox{N/GaN}$ interface with a sheet carrier density of $hbox{9.6} times hbox{10}^{12} hbox{cm}^{-2}$ and a mobility of 1980 $hbox{cm}^{2}/hbox{V} cdot hbox{s}$ at room temperature. Preliminary results concerning high-electron-mobility-transistor static characteristics are presented and compared with that of devices realized on other orientations of silicon.      

Growth of GaN Layers on Si(111) Substrates by Plasma-Assisted Molecular Beam Epitaxy

Semiconductors - The studies of the growth kinetics of GaN layers grown on nitridated Si(111) substrates by plasmaassisted molecular beam epitaxy are presented. The nucleation and overgrowth of the...     

Molecular Beam Epitaxy Growth of HgCdTe on Large-Area Si and CdZnTe Substrates

This paper presents the status of HgCdTe growth on large-area Si and CdZnTe substrates at Raytheon Vision Systems (RVS). The different technological tools that were used to scale up the growth from 4 inch to 6 inch diameter on Si and from 4 cm × 4 cm to 8 cm × 8 cm on CdZnTe without sacrificing the quality of the layers are described. Extremely high compositional uniformity and low macrodefect density were achieved for single- and two-color HgCdTe layers on both Si and CdZnTe substrates. Finally, a few examples of detector and focal-plane array results are included to highlight the importance of high compositional uniformity and uniformly low macrodefect density of the epitaxial layers in obtaining high operability and low cluster outages in single- and two-color focal-plane arrays (FPAs).     

Ge(211)衬底上分子束外延CdTe薄膜

采用分子束外延在3英寸Ge(211)衬底上生长了10 μm厚的CdTe(211)B薄膜.CdTe表面镜面光亮,3英寸范围厚度平均值9.72 μm,偏差0.3 μm;薄膜晶体质量通过X射线双晶迴摆曲线进行评价,FWHM平均值80.23 arcsec,偏差3.03 arcsec; EPD平均值为4.5×106cm-2.通过研究CdTe薄膜厚度与FWHM和EPD的关系,得到CdTe的理想厚度为8～9 μm.     

Characterization of GaNxAs1-x Alloy Grown on GaAs by Molecular Beam Epitaxy

Ga Nx As1 - x,the combination of small amount of nitrogen and Ga As,has beenexperimentally observed with the band gaps several hundreds me V lower than that ofGa As[1～ 4] .The alloy has attracted considerable attention in the applicat...     

Characterization of GaNxAs1-x Alloy Grown on GaAs by Molecular Beam Epitaxy

The GaNxAs1-x alloy has been investigated which is grown on GaAs (100) substrate by molecular beam epitaxy with a DC-plasma nitrogen source. The samples are characterized by high resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) and low temperature photoluminescence (PL) measurements. Both HRXRD and PL measurements demonstrate that the crystalline and optical qualities of GaNxAs1-x alloy degrade rapidly with the increase of N composition. The nitrogen composition of 4.5 % can be obtained in GaNxAs1-x/GaAs quantum well by optimizing growth conditions,through which a photoluminescence peak of 1201nm is observed at a low temperature (10 K). The dependence of GaNxAs1-x band gap energy on the nitrogen composition in this investigation corresponds very well with that of the theoretical one based on the dielectric model when considering the effect of the strain. At the same time,we also demonstrate that the bowing parameter of GaNxAs1-x alloy is composition dependent.     

ZnCl2掺杂n型ZnSe的分子束外延生长

利用分子束外延(MBE)技术,以5N的ZnCl2作为掺杂源,在半绝缘GaAs (001)衬底上异质外延生长ZnSe:Cl单晶薄膜.研究发现,掺入ZnCl2后,ZnSe外延层的结晶质量和表面形貌与本征ZnSe外延层相比变差,双晶X射线摇摆曲线(DCXRC)的ZnSe (004)衍射峰半峰宽(FWHM)从432 arcsec增大到529 arcsec,表面均方根粗糙度(RMS)从3.00 nm增大到3.70nm.当ZnCl2掺杂源炉的温度为170℃时,ZnSe样品的载流子浓度达到1.238×1019 cm-3,可以满足结型器件制作和隧道结材料设计的要求.