Deep-Level Structure of the Spin-Active Recombination Center in Dilute Nitrides
Phys. Rev. Lett. 132, 186402 – Published 3 May, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.186402
Abstract
A gallium interstitial defect is thought to be responsible for the spectacular spin-dependent recombination in dilute nitrides. Current understanding associates this defect with at least two in-gap levels corresponding to the () and () charge-state transitions. Using a spin-sensitive photoinduced current transient spectroscopy, the in-gap electronic structure of a alloy is revealed. The () state lies below the conduction band edge, and an anomalous, negative activation energy reveals the presence of not one but two other in-gap states. The observations are consistent with a () state above the valence band edge, and a () state above the valence band edge.