Compound semiconductors

What is the typical crystal structure of GaN?

  1. AWurtzite (hexagonal)
  2. BDiamond structure
  3. CBody-centered cubic
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Answer: A. Wurtzite (hexagonal)

GaN generally has the hexagonal wurtzite structure. This structure is polar along the crystal axis, producing spontaneous and piezoelectric polarization, which is why a high-density two-dimensional electron gas forms at the AlGaN/GaN interface. GaAs and similar materials have the cubic zinc-blende structure.

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