Twin generation in zinc-blende type III–V compound semiconductors: New insights from an InP case study
The type of twinning in zincblende-or sphalerite-type III-V compound semiconductors is well known. However, its detailed formation mechanism, although intensively studied in the eighties and nineties, is not entirely understood. In addition to a lot of empirical observations, there is a theoretical approach, published in 1995 [1] and improved in 1998 [2]. The latter predicts a correlation between crystal slope angle a and twin generation frequency. However, a critical overview of our own experimental results on GaAs and InP, grown by LEC (Liquid Encapsulated Czochralski) and VCz (Vapour Pressure controlled Czochralski) techniques, leads to no unambiguous relation between twin formation and crystal slope angle. This paper gives a comparison between experimental results and the above mentioned theory, revealing that twinning is more correlated to dynamical effects like oscillations of growth rate, i.e. noise of the system.
Etch features in Czochralski-grown single crystal indium phosphide
Two etchants for InP have been used to categorize etch features in both horizontal and vertical sections of InP single crystals grown by the Czochralski liquid encapsulation technique; these are the AB etchant, used extensively for defect analysis in GaAs and another etchant based on a phosphoric acid/hydrobromic acid mixture. The behaviour of these etchants is different but a cross correlation has been made between the types of etch feature produced. Transmission X-ray topography has been used to correlate etch features with dislocations. Nominally undoped crystals and material doped with specific impurities, e.g. Fe, Ge, Zn, have been examined. The principal features produced by etching are pits, ridges and striations. It is shown that the density and distribution of pits and ridges is consistent with these features being dislocation structures and the mechanisms by which they are revealed are discussed in terms of etching rates. The results allow comment to be made upon interface shape and the source of dislocations in InP crystals grown by the Czochralski technique.
Thermodynamics on the Carbochlorination of Titanium-bearing Ores
The equilibrium compositions of the multi-component, multi-phase and multi-reaction system of carbochlorination of titanium-bearing ores are calculated with HSC, a computational chemistry software. The thermodynamic equilibrium calculation of the reaction system shows that a complete conversion of titanium-bearing ores is feasible at a temperature near 200oC. At temperatures ranging from 800 to 1600oC, the products of the reaction system are all in gaseous phase. Thermodynamic analysis accords with the industrial practice. The simulated results provide reasonable scientific basis for improving suitable technological conditions of the carbochlorination reduction.