Optical Properties and Structural Characteristics of Gallium Nitride Thin Films Prepared by Radio Frequency Magnetron Sputtering

In this study, the optical properties and structural characteristics of gallium nitride (GaN) thin films prepared by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering were investigated. Auger electron and X-ray photoelectron spectra showed that the deposited films consisted mainly of gallium and nitrogen. The presence of oxygen was also observed. The optical bandgap of the GaN films was measured to be approximately 3.31 eV. The value of the refractive index of the GaN films was found to be 2.36 at a wavelength of 633 nm. X-ray diffraction data revealed that the crystalline phase of the deposited GaN films changed from wurtzite to zinc-blende phase upon decreasing the sputtering gas pressure. Along with the phase change, a strong dependence of the microstructure of the GaN films on the sputtering gas pressure was also observed. The microstructure of the GaN films changed from a voided columnar structure having a rough surface to an extremely condensed structure with a very smooth surface morphology as the sputtering gas pressure was reduced. The relationship between the phase and microstructure changes in the GaN films will be discussed.