Ordered array of Ga droplets on GaAs(001) by local anodic oxidation

The authors present a procedure to obtain uniform, ordered arrays of Ga droplets on GaAs(001) substrates. The growth process relies on an interplay between the substrate patterning, in form of a two dimensional array of nanoholes periodically modulated obtained via local anodic oxidation, and self-assembly of Ga droplets in a molecular beam epitaxy environment. The formation of site controlled Ga droplets, characterized by atomic force microscopy, is the outcome of the combined effects of capillary condensation and nucleation kinetics. (C) 2014 American Vacuum Society.