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Development of Zn-IV-Nitride Semiconductor Materials and Devices

Citation

Shing, Amanda M. (2016) Development of Zn-IV-Nitride Semiconductor Materials and Devices. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/Z94Q7RXJ. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:05272016-161721247

Abstract

This thesis details explorations of the materials and device fabrication of Zn-IV-Nitride thin-films. Motivation in studying this materials series originates from its analgous properties to the III-Nitride semiconductor materials and its potential applications in photonic devices such as solar cells, light emitting diodes, and optical sensors. Building off of initial fabrication work from Coronel, Lahourcade et al., ZnSnxGe1-xN2 thin-films have shown to be a non-phase-segregating, tunable alloy series and a possible earth-abundant alternative to InxGa1-xN alloys. This thesis discusses further developments in fabrication of ZnSnxGe1-xN2 alloys by three-target co-sputtering and molecular beam epitaxy, and the resulting structural and optoelectronic characterization. Devices from these developed alloys are also highlighted.

Initial fabrication was based on the reactive radio-frequency (RF) sputtering technique and was limited to two-target sources and produced nanocrystalline films. Progression to three-target reactive RF co-sputtering for ZnSnxGe1-xN2 (x < 1) alloys is presented, where three-target co-sputtered alloys follow the structural and optoelectronic trends of the initial alloy series. However, three-target co-sputtering further enabled synthesis of alloys having < 10% atomic composition (x < 0.4) of tin, exhibiting non-degenerate doping. The electronic structure of sputtered thin-film surfaces for the alloy series were also characterized by photoelectron spectroscopy to measure their work functions and relative band alignment for device implementation.

Low electronic mobilities, degenerate carrier concentrations, and limited photoresponse may stem from the defective and nanocrystalline nature of the sputtered films. To improve crystalline quality, films were grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). MBE ZnSnxGe1-xN2 films on sapphire and GaN were epitaxially grown, overall displaying single-crystalline quality films, higher electronic mobilities, and lower carrier concentrations. Througout experimentation, devices from both sputter deposited and MBE ZnSnxGe1-xN2 alloys films were constructed. Attempts at solid-state and electrochemical devices are described. Devices exhibited some photoresponse, providing a positive outlook for employment of ZnSnxGe1-xN2 alloys in solar cells or photon sensors.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:nitride, semiconductor, earth-abundant
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Engineering and Applied Science
Major Option:Materials Science
Awards:Advocating Change Together (Act) Award, 2015
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Lewis, Nathan Saul (co-advisor)
  • Atwater, Harry Albert (co-advisor)
Thesis Committee:
  • Faber, Katherine T.
  • Gray, Harry B.
  • Goddard, William A., III
  • Lewis, Nathan Saul (chair)
  • Atwater, Harry Albert (co-chair)
Defense Date:9 May 2016
Funders:
Funding AgencyGrant Number
Dow Chemical CompanyUNSPECIFIED
QESSTUNSPECIFIED
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:05272016-161721247
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:05272016-161721247
DOI:10.7907/Z94Q7RXJ
Related URLs:
URLURL TypeDescription
http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4927009Related ItemArticle: Semiconducting ZnSnxGe1-xN2 alloys prepared by reactive radio-frequency sputtering
http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/PVSC.2015.7355918Related ItemConf. Paper: Fabrication and characterization of ZnSnxGe1???xN2 alloys for light absorbers
http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/PVSC.2012.6318259Related ItemConf. Paper: Earth-abundant ZnSnxGe1−xN2 alloys as potential photovoltaic absorber materials
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:9801
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Amanda Shing
Deposited On:31 May 2016 19:22
Last Modified:08 Nov 2023 00:12

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