Defect diagnostics in devices via acoustic emission

The research was conducted to explore conditions triggering degradation and deterioration processes in heterostructures using methods of acoustic emission. Current, flowing through materials, causes significant temperature gradients and thermo-mechanical stress (up to 107 Pa) that contributes to the development of undesirable microplasticity of the material. The research disclosed peculiarities of acoustic emission in n+-n-p- and p+-p-n- structures of A3B5 compounds under direct current in a process of their natural deterioration, and interdependence between the acoustic emission and developments in their electrical characteristics. The research facilitates direct and timely detection of defects and microcracks in different devices operating under threshold parameters and being influenced by external physical/mechanical forces generated from direct current and ultrasonic fluctuations