Validity of Vegard's rule for Al1-xInxN (0.08<x<0.28) thin films grown on GaN templates

Magalhães, S and Franco, N and Watson, I M and Martin, R W and O'Donnell, K P and Schenk, H P D and Tang, F and Sadler, T C and Kappers, M J and Oliver, R A and Monteiro, T and Martin, T L and Bagot, P A J and Moody, M P and Alves, E and Lorenz, K (2017) Validity of Vegard's rule for Al1-xInxN (0.08<x<0.28) thin films grown on GaN templates. Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics, 50. 205107. ISSN 1361-6463 (https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6463/aa69dc)

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Abstract

In this work, comparative x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) measurements allow a comprehensive characterization of Al1−x In x N thin films grown on GaN. Within the limits of experimental accuracy, and in the compositional range 0.08  <  x  <  0.28, the lattice parameters of the alloys generally obey Vegard's rule, varying linearly with the InN fraction. Results are also consistent with the small deviation from linear behaviour suggested by Darakchieva et al (2008 Appl. Phys. Lett. 93 261908). However, unintentional incorporation of Ga, revealed by atom probe tomography (APT) at levels below the detection limit for RBS, may also affect the lattice parameters. Furthermore, in certain samples the compositions determined by XRD and RBS differ significantly. This fact, which was interpreted in earlier publications as an indication of a deviation from Vegard's rule, may rather be ascribed to the influence of defects or impurities on the lattice parameters of the alloy. The wide-ranging set of Al1−x In x N films studied allowed furthermore a detailed investigation of the composition leading to lattice-matching of Al1−x In x N/GaN bilayers.

ORCID iDs

Magalhães, S, Franco, N, Watson, I M ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8797-3993, Martin, R W ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6119-764X, O'Donnell, K P ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3072-3675, Schenk, H P D, Tang, F, Sadler, T C, Kappers, M J, Oliver, R A, Monteiro, T, Martin, T L, Bagot, P A J, Moody, M P, Alves, E and Lorenz, K;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)