In one instance, the invention provides a substrate for growing a thick layer of group III nitride. The substrate has a first surface prepared for epitaxial growth of group III nitride and a second surface, opposite to the first surface, having a plurality of grooves. The invention also provides a method of producing a thick layer or a bulk crystal of group III nitride using a grooved substrate. The grooved substrate in one configuration grows a thick layer or a bulk crystal of group III nitride with reduced bow and/or spontaneous separation from the substrate.
