Self-assembled GaN quantum dots grown on Al0.15Ga0.85N using Si as antisurf
actant have been investigated by resonant Raman scattering. Phonons of GaN
quantum dots of different sizes and the Al0.15Ga0.85N barrier layer were pr
obed selectively by varying the laser excitation energy from 3.53 to 5.08 e
V. Phonon confinement effects were studied on GaN quantum dots of 2-3 nm he
ight. We show that although grown using Si (a common donor for GaN) as an a
ntisurfactant, only a small electron concentration is present in the GaN qu
antum dots. Implications on the role of Si for the formation of the GaN qua
ntum dots will be discussed. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.