Anodic sulfidation and model characterisation of GaAs (100) in (NH4)2 Sx solution

Abstract

ABSTRACTElectrochemical sulfidation of n-type GaAs (100) has been investigated under anodic conditions with a view to surface passivation for improved electronic and optical properties. This treatment has successfully removed the native oxide and formed a thick layer of gallium and arsenic sulfides displaying high durability against oxidation and optical degradation compared to conventional dipping treatment using (NH4)2S solution. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) have been used to characterize the treated surfaces. These studies have been used to devise a structural model of the near-surface region. The results of Raman backscattering spectroscopy measurements indicate that there is a 35% reduction of the surface barrier height compared to the untreated surface. This passivation technique has been shown to be effective in reducing surface band bending on GaAs (100) and enhancing the chemical stability of the surface, making it more suitable for electronic and optoelectronic device applications.