InGaAs heterostructure formation in catalyst-free GaAs nanopillars by selective-area metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy

Abstract

We investigate axial GaAs/InGaAs/GaAs heterostructures embedded in GaAs nanopillars via catalyst-free selective-area metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. Structural characterization by transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) indicates formation of axial In x Ga1-x As (x∼0.20) inserts with thicknesses from 36 to 220 nm with ±10% variation and graded Ga:In transitions controlled by In segregation. Using the heterointerfaces as markers, the vertical growth rate is determined to increase linearly during growth. Photoluminescence from 77 to 290 K and EDS suggest the presence of strain in the shortest inserts. This capability to control the formation of axial nanopillar heterostructures is crucial for optimized device integration. © 2010 American Institute of Physics.