Indentation punching through thin (011)InP

Thin (011) InP samples have been deformed by a Vickers indenter at 400degreesC under loads ranged between 0.4 N and 2.35 N. Profilometry, optical microscopy as well as scanning electron microscopy in the cathodoluminescent mode were used to get a better understanding of the plastic flow through thin samples. For the thinnest samples and highest loads, punching through the sample was detected at the opposite face. In this case, no pile up around the indent site was detected. A model describing the material flow through the samples is proposed. (C) 2004 Kluwer Academic Publishers.