Microscopic Spatial Distribution of Bound Excitons in High-Quality ZnO

The surface morphology of the ZnO layers is dominated by a distinct hexagonal domain structure. While the laterally integrated cathodoluminescence spectrum shows intense and narrow I8 luminescence, a distinct emission line at spectral position of I0/I1 emerges in the local spectra taken at domain boundaries. In contrast, no I0/I1 emission is found inside the domains. Monochromatic images further evidence the selective incorporation of impurities at the grain boundaries of domains. Monochromatic images of the I8 peak wavelength directly visualize the strain relaxation across the domains towards their very center, where a drop in quantum efficiency indicates enhanced defect concentration.