Which plane of GaN gives an image of dots placed hexagonally

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying the specific plane of a wurtzite crystal structure of Gallium Nitride (GaN) as observed in an electron microscope image that shows a hexagonal pattern of gallium atoms. The focus is on the interpretation of the image and the implications of the observed atomic arrangement.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants describe the electron microscope image of GaN showing white dots corresponding to gallium atoms in a hexagonal pattern, noting the absence of nitrogen atoms.
  • One participant requests more information about the type of electron microscope used and emphasizes the importance of providing complete details when seeking help.
  • Another participant mentions that the image is part of a handout and questions how much can be deduced from the provided information.
  • It is suggested that the hexagonal arrangement indicates a plane of single-crystal hexagonal lattice, and if a fiducial length is available, the lattice constant could be estimated.
  • Some participants propose that the observed hexagonal arrangement is indicative of the c-plane in a wurtzite crystal, although the specific orientation (Ga-face or N-face) remains uncertain.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the specific type of electron microscope and the exact plane being viewed. While there is a suggestion that the hexagonal arrangement corresponds to the c-plane, there is no consensus on the exact orientation or the implications of the image.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks specific details about the electron microscope type and the conditions under which the image was taken, which may limit the ability to draw definitive conclusions about the crystal orientation.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying materials science, crystallography, or semiconductor physics, particularly in relation to GaN and its crystal structures.

LotsEp
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An electron microscope image of GaN seen in projection shows white dots which correspond to columns of gallium atoms observed in projection. The dots show a hexagonal pattern but there is not a dot in the centre of each hexagonal. No nitrogen atoms are seen in the image. Which plane of this wurtzite crystal is being viewed along>
 
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LotsEp said:
An electron microscope image of GaN seen in projection shows white dots which correspond to columns of gallium atoms observed in projection. The dots show a hexagonal pattern but there is not a dot in the centre of each hexagonal. No nitrogen atoms are seen in the image. Which plane of this wurtzite crystal is being viewed along>

This is awfully vague. First of all, can't you cite your source, or show the actual image?

Secondly, what kind of "an electron microscope" is this? SEM? TEM? PEEM? etc... Please note that it would extremely helpful if you present a full, complete, and concise information when you are seeing help such as this. And always make it a habit to provide full citation to the source!

Zz.
 
I have been given a handout with the question and this photo. The type of electron microscope is not specified either. This is as much information as I have. How much can we deduce from this image?
GaN.png
 
LotsEp said:
I have been given a handout with the question and this photo. The type of electron microscope is not specified either. This is as much information as I have. How much can we deduce from this image?

You have a plane of single-crystal hexagonal lattice. If you have a fiducial length on the screen (i.e. a scale), then you can estimate the lattice constant.

Zz.
 
Along which direction in a wurtzite crystal is that? Sorry I am very new to the field...
 
LotsEp said:
Along which direction in a wurtzite crystal is that? Sorry I am very new to the field...

If it is Wurtzite GaN, the hexagonal arrangement of atoms is a clear evidence of c-plane. As in which c-plane (Ga-face or N-face) is beyond my knowledge. So you are viewing along the c-direction. Correct me if I'm wrong.
 

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