Technical: This project aims for greater understanding of the effects of stresses and growth rates on phase separation and optical properties of mixed III-nitride layers. It has been observed that interfacial stresses appear to inhibit the occurrence of phase separation in InGaN layers in regions contiguous to InGaN/GaN interfaces. Whether this effect is caused by composition latching or misfit-induced shift of binodal and spinodal curves is being addressed in several ways. Effects of stress on microstructures of quantum dots, quantum wires, and quantum wells of mixed III nitrides will be studied, as well as the synthesis of modulated structures in InGaN and AlGaN layers using phase separation. This study will be carried out in collaboration with Professors H. Jiang of Kansas State University, and K. K. Bajaj of Emory University.
The project addresses basic research issues in a topical area of materials science with high technological relevance, and is expected to provide unique opportunities for graduate and undergraduate training in an interdisciplinary field. Besides educating and training graduate students who will be well equipped to handle challenges in industry and academia, the PIs will start a program for K-12 students on 'Science is Fun'.
