An Investigation of the Surface Properties of Sic For the Growth of Gan Thin Films and Epilayers

6H-SiC is currently the best subtrate used in the growth of III-V quantum heterostructures due to a negligible lattice mismatch (~3.5%) between the substrate and the epilayer, compared to sapphire (14%). Considerable amount of research is currently being done all over the world on these III-V compounds, particularly the GaN based compounds, due to their characteristic absorption in the blue region of the electromagnetic spectrum. However, the success of achieving high quality thin films that would produce the needed quantum effect depends not only on the growth parmeters but also on the preparation of the surface of the SiC substrate. The project aimed to determine the most efficient method in the preparation of the substrate. Surface analysis of the SiC using Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) showed that thermal annealing of the SiC substrate induces graphitization at temperatures as low as 840 °C, but surface oxides are removed only at 940 °C. UHV Si-beam etching was proposed as a cleaning method that would effectively clean the surface of oxides/carbon contaminants at low temperatures without the onset of graphitization. A UHV Si-beam etching apparatus, with a newly purchased evaporator used as the Si source, was built from concept, was designed and was successfully fabricated in-house. Assembly and test of the apparatus showed that it is capable of cleaning the substrate through resistive heating. Due to uncontrollable events, further experiments for its successful operation were recommended.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Materials Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Physics, Astronomy, and Materials Science

Year

2000

Author dc:creator

• Cabalu, Jasper S.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Shyang Hwang

• Materials Science and Engineering

Statement dc:rights

• © Jasper S Cabalu

Repository record dc:identifier

https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/849

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:bearworks.missouristate.edu:theses-1850