Spontaneous versus Piezoelectric Polarization in III-V Nitrides: Conceptual Aspects and Practical Consequences

Abstract

Macroscopic polarization plays a major role in determining the optical and electrical properties of nitride nanostructures via polarization-induced built-in electrostatic fields. While currently fashionable, this field of endeavour is still by far in its early infancy. Here we contribute some clarifications on the conceptual issues involved in determining built-in fields in III–V nitride nanostructures, sorting out in particular the roles of spontaneous and piezoelectric polarization.