Midinfrared (3.7–5.3 μm) electroluminescent devices based on a quantum-cascade (QC) design have been demonstrated using InAs/AlSb heterostructures, grown on GaSb substrates. The very high conduction band discontinuity (>2 eV) of this material system allows the design of QC devices at very short wavelengths. Well-resolved luminescence peaks were observed up to 300 K, with a full-width-at-half-maximum to peak wavelength ratio (Δλ/λ) of the order of 8%. The emission wavelengths are in good agreement with the results of our model. The emitted optical power is lower than that predicted, due to a nonoptimized electron injection into the active region.
Indium surface segregation is evidenced in real time by reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) during the molecular beam epitaxial growth of AlSb on InAs(Sb). The resulting interface width is determined from the RHEED specular beam intensity variation during the growth. It extends over several nanometers and increases with the growth temperature. Band structure simulations show that the indium segregation leads to a strong localization of the wave function associated to the first bound hole level at the AlSb on InAs(Sb) interface.
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