Initial stages of InAs epitaxy on vicinal GaAs(001)-(2 x 4)

Effect of the cap layer growth temperature on the Sb distribution in InAs/InSb/InAs sub-monolayer heterostructures for mid-infrared devices

Sub-monolayer (SML) deposition of InSb within InAs matrix by migration enhanced epitaxy tends to form type II SML nanostructures offering efficient light emission within the mid-infrared (MIR) range between 3 and 5 μm. In this work, we report on the Sb distribution in InSb/InAs SML nanostructures with InAs cap layers grown at temperatures lower than that associated with the under-grown InSb active layer. Analysis by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in 002 dark field conditions shows that the reduction in the growth temperature of the InAs cap layer increases the amount of Sb deposited in the layers, in good agreement with the x-ray diffraction results. TEM micrographs also show that the layers are formed by random InSbAs agglomerates, where the lower cap temperature leads to a more continuous InSb layer. Quantitative atomic column resolved high angle annular dark field-scanning (S)TEM analyses also reveal atomic columns with larger composition of Sb for the structure with the lowest InAs cap layer temperature. The dependence of the Sb distribution on InAs cap growth temperature allows tuning the corresponding emission wavelength in the MIR range, as shown by the photoluminescence emission spectra.

Nanoscale distribution of Bi atoms in InP1-xBix

The nanoscale distribution of Bi in InPBi is determined by atom probe tomography and transmission electron microscopy. The distribution of Bi atoms is not uniform both along the growth direction and within the film plane. A statistically high Bi-content region is observed at the bottom of the InPBi layer close to the InPBi/InP interface. Bi-rich V-shaped walls on the (-111) and (1-11) planes close to the InPBi/InP interface and quasi-periodic Bi-rich nanowalls in the (1-10) plane with a periodicity of about 100 nm are observed. A growth model is proposed to explain the formation of these unique Bi-related nanoscale features. These features can significantly affect the deep levels of the InPBi epilayer. The regions in the InPBi layer with or without these Bi-related nanostructures exhibit different optical properties.

New Tools to Control Morphology of Self-Organized Quantum Dot Nanostructures

We consider several approaches to control morphology of self-organized quantum dot (QD) nanostructures. (i) We study effects of temperature and of temperature ramping on formation of QD arrays. The theory of equilibrium distribution of island volumes is developed predicting an entropy-driven decrease of island volume at higher temperatures. Experiments on InAs/GaAs(001) obtained both at submonolayer deposition and in Stranski-Krastanow (SK) growth mode reveal the decrease of island volume with temperature increase that agrees with the thermodynamic picture of island formation. (ii) We show a reversibility of temperature-driven changes in island volume, shape, and density for SK InAs/GaAs(001) islands and a new possibility to control QDs. (iii) We consider an advanced way of formation of complex QD structures. For multisheet arrays of strained islands a transition between correlation and anticorrelation driven by the spacer thickness is predicted theoretically and confirmed experimentally. (iv) The overgrowth of InAs/GaAs islands by an InGa(Al)As alloy leads to alloy phase separation in the capping layer and an effective increase of both the lateral size and the height of the QDs. These complex growth approaches enable us to tune efficiently electronic spectra of the QD systems.

Spontaneous Formation of Arrays of Strained Islands: Thermodynamics Versus Kinetics

Options are discussed which allow to distinguish equilibrium arrays of strained islands from kinetically-controlled arrays. Finite-temperature thermodynamic theory is developed for equilibrium arrays of two-dimensional monolayer-high islands in heteroepitaxial systems at submonolayer coverage. It is shown that the entropy contribution to the Helmholtz free energy of the system favors formation of small islands and results in the shrinkage of the islands with increasing temperature. The average size of islands decreases tremendously with respect to zero-temperature size at temperatures far below the characteristic energy of island formation. Such a temperature dependence can be the basis for decisive experiments aimed to distinguish between thermodynamic and kinetic effects on the formation of arrays of 2D islands. The theory is able to explain results of high-resolution electron microscopy of submonolayer arrays of InAs/GaAs(001) islands. Their formation is predominantly influenced by thermodynamics.

Submonolayer quantum dots for high speed surface emitting lasers

We report on progress in growth and applications of submonolayer (SML) quantum dots (QDs) in high-speed vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs). SML deposition enables controlled formation of high density QD arrays with good size and shape uniformity. Further increase in excitonic absorption and gain is possible with vertical stacking of SML QDs using ultrathin spacer layers. Vertically correlated, tilted or anticorrelated arrangements of the SML islands are realized and allow QD strain and wavefunction engineering. Respectively, both TE and TM polarizations of the luminescence can be achieved in the edge-emission using the same constituting materials. SML QDs provide ultrahigh modal gain, reduced temperature depletion and gain saturation effects when used in active media in laser diodes. Temperature robustness up to 100 °C for 0.98 μm range vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) is realized in the continuous wave regime. An open eye 20 Gb/s operation with bit error rates better than 10-12has been achieved in a temperature range 25-85 °Cwithout current adjustment. Relaxation oscillations up to ∼30 GHz have been realized indicating feasibility of 40 Gb/s signal transmission.