# Microanalysis of β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3 Films Grown by MOCVD

**Authors:** Mugove Maruzane, Arpit Nandi, Sean Douglas, Lewis Penman, Sai Charan Vanjari, Indraneel Sanyal, Matthew Smith, Robert W. Martin, Martin Kuball, Fabien C. P. Massabuau

PMC · DOI: 10.3390/ma19040672 · Materials · 2026-02-10

## TL;DR

This study examines the properties of β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3 films grown using MOCVD, showing how Al content affects optical and structural characteristics.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the relationship between Al composition and material properties in β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3 films.

## Key findings

- Al incorporation in the films correlates linearly with the nominal Al composition.
- Optical bandgap increases from 4.96 eV to 5.44 eV with a bowing parameter of 1.7 ± 0.5 eV.
- Higher Al fractions reduce crystallinity and cathodoluminescence intensity while increasing surface roughness.

## Abstract

A combined microanalysis and optical study of β-(AlxGa1−x)2O3 films grown on sapphire via metalorganic chemical vapour deposition, with thickness 350–1000 nm and Al fraction (x) from 0% to 45%, is presented. Al incorporation in the films showed a linear relation with nominal Al composition calculated from precursor flow rate, and the optical bandgap increased from 4.96 eV to 5.44 eV with a bowing parameter of 1.7 ± 0.5 eV. A high Al fraction led to reduced crystallinity, increased surface roughness, and diminished cathodoluminescence intensity. The topography revealed elongated surface features that evolved with Al content, and luminescence spectra exhibited a blueshift in peak emission attributed to the widening of the bandgap. These findings highlight the trade-off between bandgap tuning and material quality, informing future growth strategies for future electronic and optical devices.

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** injury to (MESH:D014947)
- **Chemicals:** AlxGa1-x)2O3 (-), TEAl (MESH:C498384), Al (MESH:D000535), Ti (MESH:D014025), Ga2O3 (MESH:C038863), Cr (MESH:D002857), Ar (MESH:D001128), Mg (MESH:D008274), In (MESH:D007204), Ga (MESH:D005708), O (MESH:D010100), Zn (MESH:D015032), metal (MESH:D008670), Ir (MESH:D007495), Al2O3 (MESH:D000537), Fe (MESH:D007501), F (MESH:D005461), Sn (MESH:D014001), Rh (MESH:D012238)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

6 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12941390/full.md

## References

65 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12941390/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12941390