arXiv subjects

Jiaren Feng

Publications and source records attributed to Jiaren Feng.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Anisotropic Kinetics of Ion-Irradiation-Induced Phase Transition in Gallium Oxide

Radiation-tolerant semiconductors have traditionally been engineered by the principle of suppressing defect accumulation and amorphization, based on the assumption that radiation damage is inherently stochastic. Here we show that, in monoclinic $β$-\ce{Ga2O3}, a promising ultrawide-bandgap semiconductor, surface crystallographic orientation deterministically governs radiation tolerance through highly anisotropic kinetics of the $β$-to-$γ$ phase transition. Using machine-learning molecular dynamics coupled with a local configurational-entropy descriptor, we quantitatively map anisotropic $β$-to-$γ$ transition kinetics, showing that the critical dose, transition-layer depth, and kinetic stability of the $γ$-phase are fundamentally governed by surface orientation. Under ion irradiation, non-channeling surfaces such as (100), (001), and (-201) undergo severe surface amorphization, whereas the strongly channeling (010) surface resists damage accumulation and promotes subsurface $γ$-phase nucleation. During thermal annealing recovery process, these initial states follow two distinct recovery pathways: the channeling (010) surface reverts directly from $γ$-to-$β$, whereas non-channeling surfaces follow a sequential amorphous-to-$γ$-to-$β$ transition pathway. This work establishes surface orientation as a fundamental design principle for achieving radiation tolerance through controlled polymorphic transitions, providing a universal framework for engineering functional materials capable of withstanding extreme irradiation environments.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2024

Orientation-dependent surface radiation damage in $β$-Ga2O3 explored by multiscale atomic simulations

Ultrawide bandgap semiconductor $β$-Ga2O3 holds extensive potential for applications in high-radiation environments. One of the primary challenges in its practical application is unveiling the mechanisms of surface irradiation damage under extreme conditions. In this study, we investigate the orientation-dependent mechanisms of radiation damage on four experimentally relevant $β$-Ga2O3 surface facets, namely, (100), (010), (001), and (-201), at various temperatures. We employ a multiscale atomic simulation approach, combining machine-learning-driven molecular dynamics (ML-MD) simulations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The results reveal that Ga vacancies and O interstitials are the predominant defects across all four surfaces, with the formation of many antisite defects Ga_O and few O_Ga observed. Among the two Ga sites and three O sites, the vacancy found in the O2 site is dominant, while the interstitials at the Ga1 and O1 sites are more significant. Interestingly, the (010) surface exhibits the lowest defect density, owing to its more profound channeling effect leading to a broader spread of defects. The influence of temperature on surface irradiation damage of $β$-Ga2O3 should be evaluated based on the unique crystal surface characteristics. Moreover, the formation energy and defect concentration calculated by DFT corroborate the results of the MD simulations. Comprehending surface radiation damage at the atomic level is crucial for assessing the radiation tolerance and predicting the performance changes of $β$-Ga2O3-based device in high-radiation environments.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗