Which plane of GaN gives an image of dots placed hexagonally

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the electron microscope imaging of Gallium Nitride (GaN), specifically identifying the hexagonal pattern of gallium atoms in a wurtzite crystal structure. The observed image reveals a hexagonal arrangement of dots, indicating a view along the c-plane of the crystal. However, the absence of nitrogen atoms in the image raises questions about the specific type of electron microscope used, which remains unspecified. Participants emphasize the importance of providing complete information and citations for accurate analysis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wurtzite crystal structures
  • Familiarity with electron microscopy techniques (SEM, TEM, PEEM)
  • Knowledge of lattice constants and crystal planes
  • Basic concepts of crystallography and atomic arrangements
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the characteristics of wurtzite GaN and its crystal planes
  • Learn about different types of electron microscopes and their applications
  • Study how to interpret electron microscope images in crystallography
  • Explore methods for estimating lattice constants from electron microscope images
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Researchers, materials scientists, and students in the field of semiconductor physics, particularly those focusing on GaN and its applications in electronics and optoelectronics.

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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