Published online by Cambridge University Press: 26 February 2011
Epitaxial Ge films have been grown on [001] GaAs for substrate temperatures (Ts) as low as 285°C by photodissociating GeH4 at 193 nm in parallel geometry. For a laser fluence of ~15 mJ - cm-2, the film growth rate varies from 0.6 to ~5 nm - min-1, depending upon Ts and gas pressure. Plan and cross-sectional TEM studies of the Ge/GaAs bicrystal demonstrate that the 400–700 A thick Ge films are single crystal and epitaxial with the substrate. The present limitation on epitaxial film thickness appears to be imposed by reduced adatom mobility at the temperatures investigated.