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Wannier Orbitals and Bonding Properties of Interstitial and Antisite Defects in GaN

Journal Article · · Applied Physics Letters
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1827932· OSTI ID:15010682
Intrinsic interstitial and antisite defects in GaN have been studied using density functional theory (DFT), and their configurations, electronic structures and bonding properties have been characterized using the Wannier function. All N interstitial configurations eventually transform into N-N split interstitials, between which two {pi} orbitals exist. The relaxation of a Ga antisite defect also leads to the formation of a N-N split configuration; however, its local Wannier orbitals are remarkably different from the N-N split interstitial. The different local Wannier orbitals around Ga interstitial configurations demonstrate that Ga interstitials are critical defects in GaN. The electronic orbitals of the Ga octahedral interstitial is, for example, greatly delocalized, and there are no covalent bonds formed between the interstitial and the surrounded atoms. The most striking feature is that Ga-Ga split interstitials can bridge the gap between non-bonded Ga atoms, thereby leading to a chain of four metallic-like-bonded Ga atoms in GaN, which may exhibit novel quantum properties.
Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest National Lab., Richland, WA (US), Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
US Department of Energy (US)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
15010682
Report Number(s):
PNNL-SA-41247; 3448; 8208; KC0201020
Journal Information:
Applied Physics Letters, Journal Name: Applied Physics Letters Journal Issue: 23 Vol. 85; ISSN 0003-6951; ISSN APPLAB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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