Nanoscientists from Ohio University have discovered that the structure of cubic gallium nitride has atoms aligned in groups of 4 one way and groups of 3 the other. Those in the know have previously theorized that the atoms were aligned 4 to 1 previously.
What does this mean?
"Cubic gallium nitride is more difficult to grow [than the popular hexagonal type of gallium nitride crystal]," said Arthur Smith, Ohio University associate professor of physics and astronomy, "But its cubic properties make it more compatible with other commonly used materials, and so it has more potential for integration into mainstream devices," such as lasers and bright blue light emitting diode applications.
