PECASE: Growth and Analysis of Novel Nitride Semiconductor Systems

Arthur R. Smith, Ohio University, Athens, OH, DMR-9983816 (also NIRT: DMR-0304314).
12.8 Å
Simulated image of Ga Zinc-blende GaN is one of a group of cubic nitrides of interest
Tetramers using SIESTA for future technological applications in UV/blue light emitting
electronic materials. The intrinsic surface structures of

. cubic GaN(001) are of utmost importance to the growth of

device structures from this material. Shown at left is the
first-ever STM image of the correct, fundamental reconstruc-
tion of this surface, which has a 4x3 structure. A theoretical
model predicted a 4x1 structure; however, other STM
images reveal a 3x period (not seen in this image) along the
row direction, which has never been predicted.
V s = - 2 .0 V ,
IT= 0 .0 4 n A
The model at left was predicted by Neugebauer et al.
Experimental STM images 7 years ago [Phys. Rev. Lett 80, 3097 (1998)]. It shows
of 4x3 reconstruction. one “tetramer” unit consisting of 4 Ga atoms in a row.
4x 4x Our new STM data agrees well with the tetramer model
except for the 3x periodity observed along the row.
Predicted tetramer unit: Although seemingly a small difference between 4x1 and
interatomic distances are 4x3, this inconsistency calls for new theoretical
in Angstroms. calculations.
c(4x16) reconstruction
4x
8x 8x 8x 8x 8x
Shown at right is an STM image of one of the more Ga-rich reconstructions
on c-GaN(001), which is the c(4x16) having an 8x spacing. It consists of excess
gallium adatoms on top of the (001) GaN surface. It is one of a family of
similar reconstructions we have found. According to the simplest model, the
c(4x16) has a Ga coverage on the surface of ~0.22 ML. These reconstructions,
of this most important surface, have never before been reported.
 CAREER/PECASE: Growth and Analysis of Novel Nitride Semiconductor Systems
Arthur R. Smith, Ohio University, Athens, OH, DMR-9983816.
Education and Broader Impacts of This Project
One of the primary products of this project is the
training of students to become professional scientists.
To date, the project has supported mainly 4 Ph.D.
students, 1 post-doctoral researcher, and several under-
graduates. These students have all received excellent
training and learning opportunities. All the Ph.D.
students and the post-doctoral researcher have achieved
many good results and have their names on a large
number of papers. In addition, they have also attended
numerous conferences and have given many
presentations on their research.
Applied Physics A
Smith Group: Constantin, Yang, Haider, Al-Brithen, Yang, Smith. 20 Publications
Applied Physics Letters

One of the most tangible and lasting products of the Journal of Applied
research are the publications and presentations. The Physics

pie chart at right shows the distribution of publications Journal of Crystal

Growth
resulting from the NSF-sponsored research under the Mat. Res. Society
Symp. Proc.
PECASE grant which have either been published Microscopy Research &
already (18) or have been accepted for publication (2). Technique
Physica Status Solidi (a)
The chart shows both quantity (average 4/year) and
quality (with 2 PRL’s, 3 APL’s, and 2 Surface Science Physical Review B

papers, for example). As well, there have been a total Physical Review Letters
of 55 presentations, including invited and contributed.
Surface Science