Direct Imaging of Ordering in Si-Ge Alloys, Ultrathin Superlattices, and Buried Ge Layers

Abstract

ABSTRACTWe review recent Z-contrast imaging studies of Si-Ge ultrathin superlattices, alloys, and buried Ge layers. It is found that whenever Si is deposited onto a Ge (2 × 1) surface, Ge is pumped into the growing Si layer, and this is accompanied by interfacial ordering. This is explained by a novel Ge atom pump mechanism which occurs during MBE growth. Codeposition and alloy growth results in long range (111) ordering as a consequence of lateral segregation during nonequilibrium growth.