Effect of MgZnO-layer capping on optical properties of ZnO epitaxial layers

Photoluminescence (PL) and reflectivity spectra of ZnO epilayers capped with MgxZn1−xO layers (up to x=0.36) are reported. These capped films were epitaxially grown on lattice-matched ScAlMgO4 substrates by laser molecular-beam epitaxy. A photoluminescence spectrum from the ZnO layer taken at 5 K shows emission bands at 3.389, 3.376, and 3.362 eV. The two higher bands are due to A- and B-free exciton emissions and the lowest band is due to emission of a neutral-acceptor bound exciton (I6). The linewidth of the I6 emission in our uncapped sample (0.8 meV) is significantly smaller than that in the capped one (6 meV). This is probably due to strain applied across the ZnO layer because of the difference in lattice constant between the two layers. The spectral assignment of the free exciton emissions is strengthened by a comparison with a temperature-dependent PL study and a reflectivity study. With an increase in temperature, the intensity of the bound exciton emission line decreased drastically and became comparable to that of free exciton lines. Free exciton emissions are already detectable at the liquid He temperature for the capped samples, which is never achieved in the uncapped ones grown under identical conditions. This indicates the high degree of purity of the capped films.