Suppression of particle formation by gas-phase pre-reactions in (100) MOVPE-grown β-Ga₂O₃ films for vertical device application

This work investigated the metalorganic vapor-phase epitaxy (MOVPE) of (100) β-Ga2O3 films with the aim of meeting the requirements to act as drift layers for high-power electronic devices. A height-adjustable showerhead achieving a close distance to the susceptor (1.5 cm) was demonstrated to be a critical factor in increasing the stability of the Ga wetting layer (or Ga adlayer) on the surface and reducing parasitic particles. A film thickness of up to 3 μm has been achieved while keeping the root mean square below 0.7 nm. Record carrier mobilities of 155 cm2 V−1 s−1 (2.2 μm) and 163 cm2 V−1 s−1 (3 μm) at room temperature were measured for (100) β-Ga2O3 films with carrier concentrations of 5.7 × 1016 and 7.1 × 1016 cm−3, respectively. Analysis of temperature-dependent Hall mobility and carrier concentration data revealed a low background compensating acceptor concentration of 4 × 1015 cm−3.