Incorporation of Mn in AlxGa1-xN probed by x-ray absorption and emission spectroscopy, high-resolution microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and first-principles calculations

Synchrotron radiation x-ray absorption and emission spectroscopy techniques, complemented by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy methods and density functional theory calculations, are employed to investigate the effect of Mn in AlxGa1−xN:Mn samples with an Al content up to 100%. The atomic and electronic structure of Mn is established together with its local environment and valence state. A dilute alloy without precipitation is obtained for AlxGa1−xN:Mn with Al concentrations up to 82%, and the surfactant role of Mn in the epitaxial process is confirmed.