Theoretical and Experimental Description of Interface Structure

Abstract

ABSTRACTWe define the Interface between two dissimilar materials by two functions, g(z) and f(x,y), representing the diffuseness along the interface normal and the distribution of interface non-planarities respectively. We show how these functions may be measured for the case of epitaxial interfaces between dissimilar crystals by quantitative analysis of lattice structure images obtained by high resolution transmission electron microscopy. Experimental examples are drawn from the GeSi/Si, InGaAs/InAlAs and InGaAs/InP systems. Correlations between interface structure and optical and electronic properties of these systems are discussed.