Numerical Simulation of GaN Growth in a Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition Process

Abstract

A detailed mathematical model for the growth of gallium nitride in a vertical impinging metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) reactor is developed first, and the complete chemical mechanisms are introduced. Then, one validation study is conducted to ensure its accuracy. After that, the flow, temperature and concentration profiles are predicted by numerical modeling. The dependence of the growth rate and uniformity of the deposited layers on operating conditions, such as reactor operating pressure, susceptor temperature, inlet velocity and concentration ratio of the precursors, is investigated to gain greater insight into the reactor performance and characteristics. Based on the simulation results, discussion is presented in this paper to offer the possibility of better control of the GaN film growth process and to ultimately lead to an optimization of the process, with respect to production rate and film quality.