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Title: Growth and characterization of (Sc 2 O 3 ) x (Ga 2 O 3 ) 1−x by molecular beam epitaxy
(Sc 2 O 3 ) x (Ga 2 O 3 ) 1−x was grown by molecular beam epitaxy at low temperatures (100 °C) using a variety of growth sequences to avoid surface segregation of Ga. Continuous and digital growth techniques always produced Ga segregation. This surface segregation was attributed to the stronger bond between the Sc and O compared to the Ga and O. A digital growth technique (alternate opening of Sc and Ga shutters with the O shutter open continuously during the growth) was unsuccessful in eliminating this effect. The segregation was eliminated using a growth technique in which the Ga shutter was closed for a set amount of time toward the end of the growth while the O and Sc shutters remained open. Characterization with reflection high energy electron diffraction, x-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy revealed the growth of a fine-grained polycrystalline film under these conditions. A third growth technique was used that involved closing the Ga shutter for a set amount of time toward the end of the growth while the O and Sc shutters were open continuously. This technique was successful in depositing a uniform film. However, the breakdown field was only 1.40 MV/cm (at 1 mA/cm 2 ). The addition of Ga to Sc 2 O 3 diminished the insulating properties of the film. These initial experiments indicate that phase segregation is likely to be a major issue with most growth techniques and that alloying Ga 2 O 3 with elements other than Sc, such as Gd or Al, might be a more successful approach.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1856662
PAR ID:
10327528
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology A
Volume:
40
Issue:
4
ISSN:
0734-2101
Page Range / eLocation ID:
043403
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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