High Throughput X-Ray Characterization of Defects in Wide-Bandgap Semiconductors
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 (∼105 to 108 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.
Read the paper
Related studies
- The potential and limitations of neutrons, electrons and X-rays for atomic resolution microscopy of unstained biological molecules
- X-ray-Computed Tomography Contrast Agents
- Reactivity of Surface Species in Heterogeneous Catalysts Probed by In Situ X-ray Absorption Techniques
- Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies on structural transformations of porous coordination polymers
- Investigation of solid/vapor interfaces using ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
- Resonant X-Ray Scattering Studies of Charge Order in Cuprates
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.