Papers by Author: Ivan G. Ivanov

Abstract: Over 150 μm thick epilayers of 4H-SiC with long carrier lifetime have been grown with a chlorinated growth process. The carrier lifetime have been determined by time resolved photoluminescence (TRPL), the lifetime varies a lot between different areas of the sample. This study investigates the origins of lifetime variations in different regions using deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS), low temperature photoluminescence (LTPL) and a combination of KOH etching and optical microscopy. From optical microscope images it is shown that the area with the shortest carrier lifetime corresponds to an area with high density of structural defects.

Abstract: Two-dimensional materials offer a unique platform for sensing where extremely high sensitivity is a priority, since even minimal chemical interaction causes noticeable changes in electrical conductivity, which can be used for the sensor readout. However, the sensitivity has to be complemented with selectivity, and, for many applications, improved response- and recovery times are needed. This has been addressed, for example, by combining graphene (for sensitivity) with metal/oxides (for selectivity) nanoparticles (NP). On the other hand, functionalization or modification of the graphene often results in poor reproducibility. In this study, we investigate the gas sensing performance of epitaxial graphene on SiC (EG/SiC) decorated with nanostructured metallic layers as well as metal-oxide nanoparticles deposited using scalable thin-film deposition techniques, like hollow-cathode pulsed plasma sputtering. It is demonstrated that under the right modification conditions the electronic properties of the surface remain those of graphene, while the surface chemistry can be tuned to improve sensitivity, selectivity and speed of response to several gases relevant for air quality monitoring and control, such as nitrogen dioxide, benzene, and formaldehyde.

Abstract: We report graphene thickness, uniformity and surface morphology dependence on the growth temperature and local variations in the off-cut of Si-face 4H-SiC on-axis substrates. The transformation of the buffer layer through hydrogen intercalation and the subsequent influence on the charge carrier mobility are also studied. A hot-wall CVD reactor was used for in-situ etching, graphene growth in vacuum and the hydrogen intercalation process. The number of graphene layers is found to be dependent on the growth temperature while the surface morphology also depends on the local off-cut in the substrate and results in a non-homogeneous surface. Additionally, the influence of dislocations on surface morphology and graphene thickness uniformity is also presented.

Abstract: The analysis of the donor-acceptor pair luminescence of P-Al and N-Al pairs obtained recently for the cubic 3C polytype of SiC is viewed in some detail. A detailed consideration is given to the fitting procedure applied to the P-Al and N-Al spectra. Fit with theoretical models of spectra of type I and type II are applied to both N-Al and P-Al experimental spectra, and it is demonstrated that only contribution from P on Si site is observable in the presented samples. The accuracy of the obtained phosphorus ionization energy of 48.1 meV is also discussed.

Abstract: The paper presents experimental data on the temperature dependence and the excitation properties of the phosphorus-related photoluminescence in 4H SiC. Two main sets of phonon replicas can be observed with selective excitation, which are attributed to two of the no-phonon lines observed in the spectrum. Some of the excited states are also attributed to one of the no-phonon lines on the ground of the selectively excited spectra. A tentative explanation of the observed features in terms of multiple bound excitons is proposed.

Abstract: A new investigation on the optical properties of the phosphorus-bound excitons is presented. Arguments are given in favor of the possibility of degenerate donor state for phosphorus substituting Si atom on hexagonal site. On the base of a simple model, it is shown that the experimental spectra also provide evidence in favor of this possibility. The possibility for violation of the Haynes rule in the case of phosphorus donors on the two inequivalent sites is indicated.

Abstract: The paper presents the results of a quantitative theoretical calculation concerning the shift and the splitting of the ground-state manifold of the nitrogen donor in 4H-SiC under uniform electric field. Two cases are distinguished corresponding to a field applied parallel and perpendicular to the crystal axis. A comparison with the phosphorus donor in Si is carried out.

Abstract: The procedure of fitting the spectra associated with donor-acceptor pair luminescence arising from nitrogen-aluminum and phosphorus-aluminum pairs in 4H SiC is described in detail. We show that the fitting can be used not only for accurate evaluation of the ionization energies of the different donors and acceptors involved, but also for unambiguous determination of their lattice sites.

Abstract: The one-valley effective-mass approximation is developed for the case of uniaxial crystals with indirect bandgap and applied to the donor states in 4H-SiC. Good agreement is found between the theory and experiments providing data on the electronic states of the shallowest nitrogen donor in 4H-SiC. The ionization energy of this donor is deduced to be 61.35 ± 0.2 meV.

Abstract: The Hot-Wall CVD reactor was developed for the thick epitaxial SiC layers needed for high voltage power devices but its inherent better properties – better cracking efficiency of the precursor gases and better lateral and vertical temperature homogeneity – should also influence the growth of other materials such as the III-nitrides. We will give some examples of thick SiC layers grown on either off- or on-axis substrates with this technique. We will also show that high-quality III-nitride materials can be grown.