Understanding the origin of mobility enhancement in wedge-shaped c-GaN nanowall networks utilizing spectroscopic techniques

Recently, the electron mobility in wedge-shaped c-GaN nanowall networks has been estimated to cross the theoretical mobility limit for bulk GaN. Significant blue-shift of the bandgap has also been observed. Both the findings are explained in terms of two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) formed at the central vertical plane of the walls due to the polarization charges at the two inclined faces. Carrier concentration and mobility have earlier been determined from thermoelectric power and conductivity measurements with the help of a statistical model. Due to the network nature of the system, direct measurements of these quantities from Hall experiments are not possible. Search for a better way to estimate mobility in this system thus becomes important. Since, strain can also lead to the blue-shift of the bandgap, it is also imperative to evaluate carefully the role of strain. Here, using Raman spectroscopy, we have estimated carrier concentration and mobility in these nanowall networks with varied average tip-widths. Depth distribution of strain and luminescence characteristics are also studied. The study reveals that strain has no role in the bandgap enhancement. Moreover, the electron mobility, which is determined from the lineshape analysis of the A(1)(LO)-plasmon coupled mode in Raman spectra, has been found to be significantly higher than the theoretical limit of mobility for bulk GaN for the same electron concentration. These results thus corroborate the picture of polarization induced vertical 2DEG formation in these walls as predicted theoretically. Published under an exclusive license by AIP Publishing.

Automated summary

Recently, it has been found that the electron mobility in wedge-shaped c-GaN nanowall networks has exceeded the theoretical mobility limit for bulk GaN. Additionally, a significant blue-shift of the bandgap has been observed. These findings can be explained by the formation of a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at the central vertical plane of the walls, which is caused by polarization charges on the inclined faces. Strain was also examined, but it was found to have no effect on the bandgap enhancement.