Impact of growth parameters on the morphology and microstructure of epitaxial GaAs nanowires grown by molecular beam epitaxy

Abstract

The effect of the growth temperature and V/III flux ratio on the morphology and microstructure of GaAs nanowires grown on GaAs (1 1 1)(B) substrates by Au-assisted molecular beam epitaxy with solid As-4 source was investigated. It has been found that a low growth temperature of 400 degrees C can result in defect-free wurtzite structured nanowire with syringe-like morphology, while nanowires with more homogeneous diameter can be obtained at high temperatures (500 degrees C and 550 degrees C) with many stacking faults. It was also found that, at a low V/III flux ratio, GaAs nanowires had a shrinking neck section, while a high V/III flux ratio may result in disappearance of the shrinking necking section. For the Ga very rich condition, a phase separation of the catalysts can be observed, leaving a small Au-Ga droplet covered by the outer pure Ga droplet. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.