Structural and luminescence imaging and characterisation of semiconductors in the scanning electron microscope

The scanning electron microscopy techniques of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), electron channelling contrast imaging (ECCI) and hyperspectral cathodoluminescence imaging (CL) provide complementary information on the structural and luminescence properties of materials rapidly and non-destructively, with a spatial resolution of tens of nanometres. EBSD provides crystal orientation, crystal phase and strain analysis, whilst ECCI is used to determine the planar distribution of extended defects over a large area of a given sample. CL reveals the influence of crystal structure, composition and strain on intrinsic luminescence and/or reveals defect-related luminescence. Dark features are also observed in CL images where carrier recombination at defects is non-radiative. The combination of these techniques is a powerful approach to clarifying the role of crystallography and extended defects on a materials' light emission properties. Here we describe the EBSD, ECCI and CL techniques and illustrate their use for investigating the structural and light emitting properties of UV-emitting nitride semiconductor structures. We discuss our investigations of the type, density and distribution of defects in GaN, AlN and AlGaN thin films and also discuss the determination of the polarity of GaN nanowires

Dataset for 'Design and fabrication of enhanced lateral growth for dislocation reduction and strain management in GaN using nanodashes'

This dataset contains the results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) secondary electron (SE) images, panchromatic cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging and Electron Channelling Contrast Imaging (ECCI) and Raman spectroscopy on GaN epitaxial layers. These techniques were used to assess the morphology of the GaN crystal growth, and the dislocation density and strain in planar layers

Dataset for 'Design and fabrication of enhanced lateral growth for dislocation reduction and strain management in GaN using nanodashes'

This dataset contains the results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) secondary electron (SE) images, panchromatic cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging and Electron Channelling Contrast Imaging (ECCI) and Raman spectroscopy on GaN epitaxial layers. These techniques were used to assess the morphology of the GaN crystal growth, and the dislocation density and strain in planar layers