Abstract

The evolution of GaAs (001) surface morphology by normal incidence 1 keV Ar+ ion sputtering at high temperature has been investigated for different temperature and ion fluence. An anisotropic surface modulation is observed above the substrate recrystallization temperature ∼300 °C. With increase of sputtering time, they evolve into highly ordered and almost defect-free ripple-like structure consisting of alternate arrays of elongated terraces and nano-grooves with ridges along the <11¯0> direction. Such surface instability is attributed to the effect of anisotropic surface diffusion of vacancies in the presence of Ehrlich–Schwoebel barrier. The amplitude and wavelength of the ripple show a power law increase with sputtering time and finally saturate at longer time irradiation.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.