Theoretical Studies of GaAs on Si

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe energies of various two-dimensional GaAs on Si films have been calculated using the first principles pseudopotential method and density functional formalism. For GaAs on Si(111), the structures formed by adding a bilayer of GaAs to Si(111)1×1:As are shown to have positive formation energies, even after exchange reactions which eliminate the interface dipole are allowed. For GaAs on Si(100), the dependence of the formation energy of the films on the chemical potentials of the atomic constituents has been calculated. In the limit where μAs=μAs(bulk), and assuming the films have equilibrated with a bulk GaAs reservoir (μGa + μAs = μGaAs (bulk)), the lowest energy film is found to be the Si(100)2×1:As surface. In the opposite limit, μGa=μGa(bulk), the lowest energy film is the Si(100)2×1:(GaAs) surface. A new metastable structure obtained by adding 1/2 monolayer of Ga to Si(100)2×l:As has been studied.