Theoretical Study of Polar and Non-Polar Interfaces in Compound Semiconductors: A Thermodynamic Analysis Based on Electronic Structure Calculations

Abstract

AbstractPolar and non-polar interfaces of grain boundaries in compound semiconductors can be defined by the stoichlometry in the interface region, and It Is possible to construct two polar and one non-polar Interfaces for a symmetrical tilt grain boundary In the zinc-blende structure of which the Interface Is polar surfaces. The atomic and electronic structures of polar and non-polar interfaces of the {122} Σ=9 grain boundary in SIC have been examined by using the SCTB method coupled with the supercell technique. By using the calculated binding energies, the relative stability of the polar and non-polar interfaces has been analyzed through calculations of the thermodynamic potentials as a function of the atomic chemical potentials. It has been shown that the wrong bonds and the stoichlometry much Influence the stability and properties of grain boundaries in SiC. The stability of polar Interfaces In heterovalent compound semiconductors has been discussed.