Influence of AlN buffer layer thickness on structural properties of GaN epilayer grown on Si （111） substrate with AlGaN interlayer

We present the growth of CaN epilayer on Si （111） substrate with a single A1GaN interlayer sandwiched between the GaN epilayer and A1N buffer layer by using the metalorganic chemical vapour deposition. The influence of the AlN buffer layer thickness on structural properties of the GaN epilayer has been investigated by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, optical microscopy and high-resolution x-ray diffraction. It is found that an A1N buffer layer with the appropriate thickness plays an important role in increasing compressive strain and improving crystal quality during the growth of AlGaN interlayer, which can introduce a more compressive strain into the subsequent grown GaN layer, and reduce the crack density and threading dislocation density in GaN film.