A technique for the preparation of cross-sectional TEM samples of ZnSe/GaAs heterostructures which eliminates process-induced defects.

Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) sample preparation of ZnSe/GaAs epitaxial films is investigated. Conventional argon ion milling is shown to produce a high density (approximately 5-8 x 10(11)/cm2) of small (diameter approximately 60-80 A) extended defects (stacking faults, microtwins, double positioning twins, etc.). In addition, transmission electron diffraction results indicate a thin ZnO layer can also occasionally form upon ion milling or electron-beam irradiation although the exact conditions for ZnO formation are not well understood. Conventional TEM (amplitude contrast) and high-resolution TEM (phase contrast) imaging in combination with transmission electron diffraction studies were performed to determine the optimum method of removing the ion milling related damage and ZnO layers during sample preparation. HF/HCl, NaOH/H2O, H2SO4/H2O2/H2O and Br2/CH3OH etching mixtures as well as low voltage argon or iodine ion milling were studied. A low energy (2 keV) iodine or argon ion milling step was shown to remove the ZnO layer and reduced the density of the extended defects associated with Ar+ ion milling, but was unsuccessful in removing all of the defects. Auger electron spectroscopy results indicate residual iodine was either left on the surface or implanted beneath the surface during iodine ion milling. Etching the XTEM samples in HF/HCl was shown to be effective in removing the ZnO layer but had little or no effect on the ion milling induced defects. Etching the samples in a 0.5% Br2/CH3OH solution resulted in complete elimination of the ion milling induced extended defects including the residual defects associated with iodine ion milling. In addition the Br2/CH3OH etch produced the best surface morphology. Thus a brief (1-2 seconds) Br2/CH3OH etch after conventional preparation (argon ion milling) of cross-sectional ZnSe/GaAs TEM samples appears to be an inexpensive and superior alternative to iodine ion milling.