Microstructural and Optical Characterization of GaN Films Grown by PECVD on (0001) Sapphire Substrates

ABSTRACTEpitaxial GaN films have been grown by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). The growth procedure utilizes a He gas discharge combined with the down-stream introduction of trimethylgallium (TMGa) and nitrogen. Both cubic [1111 and wurtzitic [0001] GaN epitaxial films have been achieved on (0001) sapphire substrates. Differences in substrate growth temperatures are believed to account for the different observed phases. A comparative study pertaining to the microstructural, optical and electrical properties of the α-GaN and β-GaN heteroepitaxial films is presented. Also reported for the first time is the Raman spectroscopy data for cubic GaN.