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Clustering in molecular-beam epitaxial Al/sub x/Ga/sub 1-x/As-GaAs quantum-well heterostructure lasers

Journal Article · · J. Appl. Phys.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.328696· OSTI ID:6019577

The effects of alloy clustering in Al/sub x/Ga/sub 1-x/As-GaAs quantum-well heterostructures (QWH's) grown by molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE) are investigated. Both low- and high-level photoluminescence data on three of the best MBE QWH lasers are presented. These data indicate that while clustering in Al/sub x/Ga/sub 1-x/As can depend on crystal growth conditions (temperature, stoichiometry, surface chemistry, contamination, etc.), it is to an appreciable extent intrinsic to the alloy. Clustering in Al/sub x/Ga/sub 1-x/As can result from the random distribution of Al and Ga atoms regardless of the method of crystal growth. In addition, this work demonstrates cw 300-K photopumped laser operation of MBE QWH's, which would not be possible if the distributed and heterointerface defect densities (of unknown amount) were very high.

Research Organization:
Electrical Engineering Research Laboratory and Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801
OSTI ID:
6019577
Journal Information:
J. Appl. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 52:12; ISSN JAPIA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English