Current-induced migration of surface adatoms during GaN growth by molecular beam epitaxy

The influence of electric fields on surface migration of Gallium (Ga) and Nitrogen (N) adatoms is studied during GaN growth by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). When a direct current (DC) is used to heat the sample, long distance migration of Ga adatoms and diffusion asymmetry of N adatoms at steps are observed. On the other hand, if an alternating current (AC) is used, no such preferential adatom migration is found. This effect is attributed to the effective positive charges of surface adatoms. representing an effect of electro-migration. The implications of such current-induced surface migration to GaN epitaxy are subsequently investigated. It is seen to firstly change the distribution of Ga adatoms on a growing surface, and thus make the growth to be Ga-limited at one side of the sample but N-limited at the other side. This leads to different optical qualities of the film and different morphologies of the surface. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis of the practical force accuracy of electromagnet-based nanoindenters

Two important factors that influence the force accuracy of the electromagnet-based nano-indenters but have not yet attracted much attention are analyzed, and a more reasonable way to estimate the force accuracy is presented in this paper. MTS Nano Indenter (R), with the characteristics of a coil suspended in a uniform magnetic field by two sets of springs acting as an actuator and force measuring unit, is used as an example. One of the two factors is the uniformity of the magnetic field. The other is the stiffness of the supporting spring. Consequently, the practical force accuracy varies considerably from test to test because it firmly depends on the working position of the coil and the displacement stroke. A reasonable estimated accuracy value is of the order of 10 degrees mu N for typical indentation tests with a 10(2) nm indentation depth or a 10 degrees mN test force. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Thermocapillary Migration of Deformable Bubbles at Moderate to Large Marangoni Number in Microgravity

Using the level-set method and the continuum interface model, the axisymmetric thermocapillary migration of gas bubbles in an immiscible bulk liquid with a temperature gradient at moderate to large Marangoni number is simulated numerically. Constant material properties of the two phases are assumed. Steady state of the motion can always be reached. The terminal migration velocity decreases monotonously with the increase of the Marangoni number due to the wrapping of isotherms around the front surface of the bubble. Good agreements with space experimental data and previous theoretical and numerical studies in the literature are evident. Slight deformation of bubble is observed, but no distinct influence on the motion occurs. It is also found that the influence of the convective transport of heat inside bubbles cannot be neglected at finite Marangoni number, while the influence of the convective transport of momentum inside bubbles may be actually negligible.

PHYSICAL MODEL FOR SMALL SCALE SANDWAVES MIGRATION IN NORTH GULF OF SOUTH CHINA SEA

The aim of this paper is to investigate the mechanism of small scale sand-wave migration. According to the environmental characteristic of the north gulf of South China Sea, a quasi-3D mechanics model has been built for simulating the small scale sand wave migration. The calculation results are shown to be consistent with the observed data in the trough of sand ridge. Considering the effect of environmental actions and sand wave features, we develop an effective formula to predict sand-wave migration. It is indicated that the physical models should be used to predict the migration of the small scale sand-wave, which is rarely dominated by wave activity.