Investigation of Buffer Layers for GaN grown by MBE

The structural quality of the buffer layer juxtaposed to the substrate is pivotal in attaining high quality GaN layers. In MBE deposition, low temperature, medium temperature and high temperature AlN buffer layers are at the disposal of the grower. There are quite a few reports, some discussing the benefits of high temperature buffer layers and others doing the same for low temperature buffer layers. The reports emanate from different laboratories; and due to stringent parameter control required, it is difficult to compare one type of buffer with another. To gain some insight, we undertook an investigation wherein these varieties of buffer layers were grown on nitridated sapphire substrate under similar conditions for a comparative analysis. In addition to the single buffer layers of both GaN and AlN varieties, some combinations of stacked buffer layers, including cases where these buffer layers were separated by GaN layers, were employed. Structural analysis by high resolution X-ray diffractometry and topological analysis by AFM were carried out to assess the quality of the epilayers grown on these buffers. Hall measurements at room temperature were carried out to characterize the electrical transport properties.