Modulation of internal piezoelectric fields in strained-layer superlattices grown along the (111) orientation

Journal Article · Mon May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1989 · J. Vac. Sci. Technol., A; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1116/1.575897· OSTI ID:6165688

Mailhiot, C; Smith, D L

Large internal piezoelectric fields are generated when strained-layer superlattices are grown from III--V zinc-blende-structure compound semiconductors. The orientation of these internal fields depends on the components of the strain tensor and, consequently, on the growth orientation of the superlattice. In the usual case of strained-layer superlattices grown along the (001) axis, the piezoelectric fields vanish. However, the case of strained-layer superlattices grown along the (111) axis is particularly interesting because the internal piezoelectric fields are parallel to the growth axis and their magnitude typically exceeds 100 kV/cm for lattice mismatches as small as 1%. Therefore, (111)-oriented strained-layer superlattices exhibit novel physical properties and present technological opportunities not afforded by commonly grown (001)-oriented strained-layer superlattices. The internal strain-induced fields substantially modify the electronic structure and optical properties of (111)-oriented strained-layer superlattices. The presence of such large strain-induced polarization fields in (111)-oriented strained-layer superlattices is a physically interesting and technologically significant feature because of the possibility of modulating these internal fields by the application of an external field. Examples of modulating fields include (i) screening by photogenerated free carriers, (ii) external electric bias, or (iii) applied uniaxial stress. As a consequence of these modulations, large nonlinear optic, electro-optic and piezo-optic effects result.

• Research Organization: Xerox Webster Research Center, Webster, New York 14580
• OSTI ID: 6165688
• Journal Information: J. Vac. Sci. Technol., A; (United States), Journal Name: J. Vac. Sci. Technol., A; (United States) Vol. 7:3; ISSN JVTAD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

656002* -- Condensed Matter Physics-- General Techniques in Condensed Matter-- (1987-)
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
CRYSTAL FACES
CRYSTAL GROWTH
ELECTRICITY
ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE
MATERIALS
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PIEZOELECTRICITY
SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIALS
STRAINS
SUPERLATTICES