High Throughput X‐Ray Characterization of Defects in Wide‐Bandgap Semiconductors
Abstract
ABSTRACT Wide‐bandgap materials are central to next‐generation high‐power, radio‐frequency, and quantum technologies, yet their performance is often limited by crystalline defects such as dislocations. Single‐crystal diamond in particular exhibits exceptional electronic and thermal properties, however, accurately and scalably quantifying defect density remains challenging. Here, we present an integrated methodology for characterizing dislocation densities in diamond using high‐resolution X‐ray diffraction and validate it using complementary Raman spectroscopy, hydrogen etch‐pit analysis, and Hall effect measurements. Central to this approach is a custom Python‐based tool that processes X‐ray rocking curves and reciprocal space maps. The framework is applied to four commercially available grades of diamond substrates, spanning a wide defect density range (∼10 5 to 10 8 cm −2 ). Consistent trends are observed across all characterization techniques, with electronic‐grade diamond exhibiting the highest crystalline quality and lowest defect density. Application of the analysis tool to GaN samples further demonstrates its adaptability to other wide‐bandgap material systems. Overall, this work establishes a robust, scalable, and versatile platform for high‐throughput defect analysis in diamond and related wide‐bandgap semiconductors.
Article Details
Authors (14)
Tia Gray
Department of Materials Science and Nanoengineering Rice University Houston Texas USA
Elias J. Garratt
DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory High Frequency Electronics and Materials Adelphi Maryland USA
Xiang Zhang
Shisong Luo
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University 1 , Houston, Texas 77005,
Haolin Zhu
Jishnu Murukeshan
Department of Materials Science and Nanoengineering Rice University Houston Texas USA
Abhijit Biswas
Department of Materials Science and Nanoengineering Rice University Houston Texas USA
Mahesh R. Neupane
DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory High Frequency Electronics and Materials Adelphi Maryland USA
Bradford B. Pate
Chemistry Division U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Washington DC USA
A. Glen Birdwell
DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory High Frequency Electronics and Materials Adelphi Maryland USA
Tony G. Ivanov
DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory High Frequency Electronics and Materials Adelphi Maryland USA
Robert Vajtai
Department of Materials Science and Nanoengineering, Rice University 1 , Houston, Texas 77005,
Yuji Zhao
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University 1 , Houston, Texas 77005,
Pulickel M. Ajayan