High Throughput X‐Ray Characterization of Defects in Wide‐Bandgap Semiconductors

T Tia Gray (Department of Materials Science and Nanoengineering Rice University Houston Texas USA) E Elias J. Garratt (DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory High Frequency Electronics and Materials Adelphi Maryland USA) X Xiang Zhang S Shisong Luo (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University 1 , Houston, Texas 77005,) H Haolin Zhu J Jishnu Murukeshan (Department of Materials Science and Nanoengineering Rice University Houston Texas USA) A Abhijit Biswas (Department of Materials Science and Nanoengineering Rice University Houston Texas USA) M Mahesh R. Neupane (DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory High Frequency Electronics and Materials Adelphi Maryland USA) B Bradford B. Pate (Chemistry Division U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Washington DC USA) A A. Glen Birdwell (DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory High Frequency Electronics and Materials Adelphi Maryland USA) T Tony G. Ivanov (DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory High Frequency Electronics and Materials Adelphi Maryland USA) R Robert Vajtai (Department of Materials Science and Nanoengineering, Rice University 1 , Houston, Texas 77005,) Y Yuji Zhao (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University 1 , Houston, Texas 77005,) P Pulickel M. Ajayan

Abstract

ABSTRACT Wide‐bandgap materials are central to next‐generation high‐power, radio‐frequency, and quantum technologies, yet their performance is often limited by crystalline defects such as dislocations. Single‐crystal diamond in particular exhibits exceptional electronic and thermal properties, however, accurately and scalably quantifying defect density remains challenging. Here, we present an integrated methodology for characterizing dislocation densities in diamond using high‐resolution X‐ray diffraction and validate it using complementary Raman spectroscopy, hydrogen etch‐pit analysis, and Hall effect measurements. Central to this approach is a custom Python‐based tool that processes X‐ray rocking curves and reciprocal space maps. The framework is applied to four commercially available grades of diamond substrates, spanning a wide defect density range (∼10 5 to 10 8 cm −2 ). Consistent trends are observed across all characterization techniques, with electronic‐grade diamond exhibiting the highest crystalline quality and lowest defect density. Application of the analysis tool to GaN samples further demonstrates its adaptability to other wide‐bandgap material systems. Overall, this work establishes a robust, scalable, and versatile platform for high‐throughput defect analysis in diamond and related wide‐bandgap semiconductors.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 38, Issue 39
Published July 01, 2026
ISSN 0935-9648
Publisher Unknown Publisher

Journal Info

Advanced Materials

Unknown Publisher

ISSN: 0935-9648 Physical Sciences

Authors (14)

T

Tia Gray

Department of Materials Science and Nanoengineering Rice University Houston Texas USA

E

Elias J. Garratt

DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory High Frequency Electronics and Materials Adelphi Maryland USA

X

Xiang Zhang

S

Shisong Luo

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University 1 , Houston, Texas 77005,

H

Haolin Zhu

J

Jishnu Murukeshan

Department of Materials Science and Nanoengineering Rice University Houston Texas USA

A

Abhijit Biswas

Department of Materials Science and Nanoengineering Rice University Houston Texas USA

M

Mahesh R. Neupane

DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory High Frequency Electronics and Materials Adelphi Maryland USA

B

Bradford B. Pate

Chemistry Division U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Washington DC USA

A

A. Glen Birdwell

DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory High Frequency Electronics and Materials Adelphi Maryland USA

T

Tony G. Ivanov

DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory High Frequency Electronics and Materials Adelphi Maryland USA

R

Robert Vajtai

Department of Materials Science and Nanoengineering, Rice University 1 , Houston, Texas 77005,

Y

Yuji Zhao

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University 1 , Houston, Texas 77005,

P

Pulickel M. Ajayan