Amorphous GaN: Optoelectronic properties and device potential

Abstract

This paper describes the preparation of an amorphous form of hetero-polar tetrahedrally bonded GaN by ion-assisted deposition. The structure, including composition and bonding configurations, has been subjected to thorough investigation to establish the optimum deposition conditions. The optoelectronic properties of the best films have been measured to evaluate their potential in UV-blue detectors and/or emitters. Currently the best films have shown clear photoconductivity, with sensitivity peaking in the UV, but no useful luminescence has yet been found.