Local electronic properties of AlGaN/GaN heterostructures probed by scanning capacitance microscopy

Local electronic properties in Al_xGa_1-xN/GaN heterostructure field-effect transistor epitaxial layer structures are probed using scanning capacitance microscopy. Acquisition of scanning capacitance images over a wide range of bias voltages combined with theoretical analysis and numerical simulation allows the presence, detailed nature, and possible structural origins of nanometer- to micron-scale inhomogeneities in electronic structure to be elucidated. Substantial lateral variations in local threshold voltages for transistor channel formation are observed, at length scales ranging from submicron to >2 μm, and found to arise primarily from local variations in Al_xGa_1-xN layer thickness. Features in electronic structure are also observed that are consistent with the existence of networks of negatively charged threading edge dislocations, as might be formed at island coalescence boundaries during epitaxial growth. The negative charge associated with these structures appears to lead to local depletion of carriers from the channel in the Al_xGa_1-xN/GaN transistor epitaxial layer structure.