Rapid nondestructive analysis of threading dislocations in wurtzite materials using the scanning electron microscope

Naresh Gunasekar, Benjamin Hourahine, Paul Edwards, A.P. Day, Aimo Winkelmann, A.J. Wilkinson, P.J. Parbrook, G. England, Carol Trager-Cowan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

52 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We describe the use of electron channeling contrast imaging in the scanning electron microscope to rapidly and reliably image and identify threading dislocations (TDs) in materials with the wurtzite crystal structure. In electron channeling contrast imaging, vertical TDs are revealed as spots with black-white contrast. We have developed a simple geometric procedure which exploits the differences observed in the direction of this black-white contrast for screw, edge, and mixed dislocations for two electron channeling contrast images acquired from two symmetrically equivalent crystal planes whose g vectors are at 120° to each other. Our approach allows unambiguous identification of all TDs without the need to compare results with dynamical simulations of channeling contrast.
Original languageEnglish
Article number135503
Number of pages5
JournalPhysical Review Letters
Volume108
Issue number13
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Mar 2012

Keywords

  • wurtzite
  • nondestructive analysis
  • scanning electron microscope

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Rapid nondestructive analysis of threading dislocations in wurtzite materials using the scanning electron microscope'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this