Reaction of Ni film with In0.53Ga0.47As: Phase formation and texture

Abstract : The solid-state reaction between Ni and In In$_{0.53}$Ga$_{0.47}$As on an InP substrate was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning transmission electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spec-troscopy techniques. Due to the monocrystalline structural aspect of the so-formed intermetallic, it was necessary to measure by XRD a full 3D reciprocal space mapping in order to have a complete overlook over the crystalline structure and texture of the intermetallic. The formation of the inter-metallic was studied upon several different Rapid Thermal Annealings on the as-deposited samples. Pole figures analysis shows that the intermetallic features a hexagonal structure (P6$_3$$/mmc$) with an NiAs-type (B8) structure. Although only one hexagonal structure is highlighted, the intermetallic exhibits two different domains characterized by different azimuthal orientations, axiotaxial relationship, and lattice parameters. The intermetallic phases seem to present a rather wide range of stoichiometry according to annealing temperature. The texture, structure, and stoichiometry of the intermetallic are discussed along with the evolution of lattice parameters of the Ni-InGaAs phase.