Mixed partial dislocation core structure in GaN by high resolution electron microscopy

The core structures of a 1/6 [2 $\bar 2$ 03] mixed partial dislocation in wurtzite GaN have been investigated using a combination of high resolution transmission electron microscopy, circuit mapping, and image simulation of relaxed models. HRTEM simulated images of relaxed atomic models, derived by energetic calculations with a modified Stillinger–Weber‐type empirical interatomic potential, were calculated and compared to the experimental images. Among twenty‐four stable core configurations the 12‐ and 10‐atom rings satisfied the experimental contrast. A pattern registration procedure was used for the matching of simulated and experimental HRTEM images. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)