Oxidation of III–V semiconductors

This paper focuses on the characterization of anodic films (formed in aqueous electrolytes) and thermal oxides (formed at ∼500°C) on GaAs, InP, AlGaAs, InAlAs, InAlP and heterostructures for GaAs- and InP-based devices. Emphasis is placed on Al-containing oxides, particularly on InAlP which possess good insulating properties. The composition and nature of the oxides have been determined by Auger electron spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, 16O/18O secondary ion mass spectrometry, Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Electrical measurements performed on metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) structures indicate that the Al-containing oxides have good electrical properties making the films potentially useful for some device applications.