Résumé
GaN layers deposited by MOCVD on sapphire have been characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Two substrate orientations were used, (0 0 0 1) and(2 0).We determine the crystallographic structures (defect content and layer polarity) of three different types of GaN layers with different surface morphologies. Convergent Beam Electron Diffraction studies were particularly important to determine the polarity of the GaN layers. We find that polarity and surface diffusion are the factors that control the different growth modes. Unipolarity is obtained thanks to the annealing of the low temperature buffer layer or/and thanks to the nitridation of the sapphire substrate. Hexagonal pyramids and flat tops are formed when the material has a dominant N-polarity. The pyramids contain many tiny hexagonal columnar Inversion Domains (IDs). These pyramids are formed when the tiny Ga-polar IDs grow faster than the surrounding N-polar matrix. Flat GaN layers are unipolar, with a Ga polarity. Rough grainy layers which are unipolar (Ga-polarity) are obtained when surface diffusion is not high enough.