Narrow Results

While the As-rich 2 × 4 reconstruction of GaAs(001) is well explained by the so-called β₂ structure, the atomic structure of the Ga-rich 4 × 2 phase has been discussed for a long time. In this review, the most important structural models for the GaAs(001) (4 × 2)/c(8 × 2) surface are compared from different theoretical and experimental points of view. The selected reconstructions include the recently proposed ζ model, a new mixed dimer model, and the well-known β, β₂, Cerdà and Skala models. The different structures are compared on the basis of total energy calculations, simulations of STM experimental images and interpretation of X-ray diffraction data. Only the ζ model satisfies all criteria, and provides therefore a satisfactory explanation of the atomic structure of GaAs(001)-(4 × 2).

ZnSe epilayers have been grown under various Se/Zn atomic flux ratios in the range of 0.22–2.45 at a substrate temperature of 350°C on Zn pre-exposed GaAs (111) A surfaces. Real time reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) observations have shown a transition from a two-dimensional (2D) to a three-dimensional (3D) growth mode. The transition time depends directly upon the growth rate. A detailed discussion is presented to explore the cause of this change in the growth mode.

A numerical study is needed to gain insight into the growth mechanism and improve the reactor design or optimize the deposition condition in chemical vapor deposition (CVD). In this study, we have performed a numerical analysis of the deposition of gallium arsenide (GaAs) from trimethyl gallium (TMG) and arsine in a vertical CVD reactor. The effects of operating parameters, such as the rotation velocity of susceptor, inlet velocity, and inlet TMG fraction, are investigated and presented. The three-dimensional model which is used in this investigation includes complete coupling between the thermal-fluid transport and species transport with chemical reaction.

A full, three-dimensional (3D) ray tracing approach is developed to simulate the caustics visible in mirror electron microscopy (MEM). The method reproduces MEM image contrast resulting from 3D surface relief. To illustrate the potential of the simulation methods, we study the evolution of crater contrast associated with a movie of GaAs structures generated by the droplet epitaxy technique. Specifically, we simulate the image contrast resulting from both a precursor stage and the final crater morphology which is consistent with an inverted pyramid consisting of (111) facet walls. The method therefore facilities the study of how self-assembled quantum structures evolve with time and, in particular, the development of anisotropic features including faceting.