Synthesizing In_xGa_1-xAs using molten in and GaAs by the sessile drop method at 400-600 °c

We studied the surface reaction between metallic In and a single-crystal GaAs substrate at 400-600 °C induced by the improved sessile drop method. Studying the surface morphology and microstructure using scanning electron microscopy, we found that many large particles had formed on the GaAs substrate, indicating a violent reaction between the In and GaAs. This reaction became more violent with increasing temperature. Characterizing the generated phases by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, we identified the particles as In_xGa_1-xAs compounds. Our results show that indium (In) reacted with single-crystal GaAs through this method to form In_xGa_1-xAs compounds. Moreover, during the synthesis of In_xGa_1-xAs by the sessile drop method, the molten In and GaAs exhibited wettability at 400-600 °C. This experiment lays the foundation for synthesizing In_xGa_1-xAs compounds only using the metal In and GaAs substrate by a simple method.