Microstructure Analysis of AlGaN on AlN Underlying Layers with Different Threading Dislocation Densities

Using the epitaxial lateral growth technique, we compared the crystallinity and relaxation ratio of 3-mu m- and 200-nm-thick Al0.5Ga0.5N on an AlN template and AlN grown by epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELO-AlN), both of which were grown on a sapphire substrate. Although the relaxation ratios of 3-mu m-thick Al0.5Ga0.5N were almost the same, the misfit dislocation density at the interface and the density of threading dislocations reaching the surface of Al0.5Ga0.5N were significantly different. Also, the increase in the density of newly generated misfit dislocations was found to be highly dependent on the quality of the AlN underlying layer. We also discuss the difference in the initial growth mode of each Al0.5Ga0.5N sample. (C) 2013 The Japan Society of Applied Physics