Dislocation Density Reduction in GaAs Epilayers on Si Using Strained Layer Superlattices

Defects such as dislocations and interfaces play a crucial role in the performance of heterostructure devices. The full potential of GaAs on Si heterostructures can only be realized by controlling the defect density. The reduction of threading dislocations by the use of strained layer superlattices has been studied in these heterostructures. Several superlattice structures have been used to reduce the density of threading dislocations in the GaAs epilayer. In this study, we have optimized the use of strained layer superlattices with respect to the position, period and number to reduce and control the dislocation density. The use of strained layer superlattices in conjunction with rapid thermal annealing was found to be a most effective method for reducing the threading dislocation density. Transmission electron microscopy has been used to study the dislocation density reduction and the interaction of threading dislocations with the strained layers. A model has been developed based on energy considerations to determine the critical thickness required for the bending of threading dislocations.