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Subsurface Damage in II-VI Semiconductors

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Date: 02-16-2006
Start Time: 10:00am
End Time: 11:00am
Speaker: Don A. Lucca
From: Oklahoma State University
Location: 233 Mudd
Hosted by: Center for Integrated Science

Abstract:

Ultraprecision finishing of the II-VI semiconductors, some of which have applications in infrared optics (CdS, ZnSe) and as potential substrates for short wavelength light emitters (ZnO, ZnSe), poses particular challenges due to the unique chemical and structural properties of these materials. Studies on their surface finishing have demonstrated the achievement of superior surface finish and form accuracy. However, subsurface lattice disorder introduced by the process is known to persist and may pose severe limitations on both surface performance and, for substrate applications, suitability for subsequent epitaxial growth. Two investigations of the near surface changes caused by surface preparation are presented. The first focuses on the use of Rutherford backscattering in the channeling configuration to study the nature, extent and distribution of subsurface damage in finely finished bulk single crystals of CdS, ZnSe and ZnO. In the second study, nanoindentation is used to investigate near surface changes caused by surface preparation. The resulting mechanical behavior of ZnO prepared by chemomechanical polishing, mechanical polishing and chemical etching is presented. In particular, the effect of surface condition on the critical load for the onset of plastic deformation is examined.

Don A. Lucca is currently Regents Professor and Tom J. Cunningham Chair in the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and a member of the faculty of the School of International Studies at Oklahoma State University. He also holds the position of Guest Scientist in the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies Group (MST-CINT) in the Materials Science and Technology Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory. He received a BS degree from Cornell, MSE from Princeton, and PhD from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute all in Mechanical Engineering. He is a Fellow of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, has received the Alexander von Humboldt Research Award for Senior Scientists, and holds an honorary doctorate from Universität Bremen. His current research is directed towards developing basic understanding of the mechanics and physics which govern microscale and nanoscale fabrication processes used to create ultraprecision surfaces and thin films, and to investigating the mechanical, chemical, electrical and photonic nature of the surfaces which result.