When the GaAs/AlGaAs superlattice-based devices are used under irradiation environments, point defects may be created and ultimately deteriorate their electronic and transport properties. Thus, understanding the prope...When the GaAs/AlGaAs superlattice-based devices are used under irradiation environments, point defects may be created and ultimately deteriorate their electronic and transport properties. Thus, understanding the properties of point defects like vacancies and interstitials is essential for the successful application of semiconductor materials. In the present study, first-principles calculations are carried out to explore the stability of point defects in GaAs/Al_(0.5)Ga_(0.5)As superlattice and their effects on electronic properties. The results show that the interstitial defects and Frenkel pair defects are relatively difficult to form, while the antisite defects are favorably created generally. Besides, the existence of point defects generally modifies the electronic structure of GaAs/Al_(0.5)Ga_(0.5)As superlattice significantly, and most of the defective SL structures possess metallic characteristics. Considering the stability of point defects and carrier mobility of defective states,we propose an effective strategy that AlAs, GaAs, and AlGaantisite defects are introduced to improve the hole or electron mobility of GaAs/Al_(0.5)Ga_(0.5)As superlattice. The obtained results will contribute to the understanding of the radiation damage effects of the GaAs/AlGaAs superlattice, and provide a guidance for designing highly stable and durable semiconductor superlattice-based electronics and optoelectronics for extreme environment applications.展开更多
基金Project supported by the NSAF Joint Foundation of China (Grant No. U1930120)the Key Natural Science Foundation of Gansu Province, China (Grant No. 20JR5RA211)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 11774044)。
文摘When the GaAs/AlGaAs superlattice-based devices are used under irradiation environments, point defects may be created and ultimately deteriorate their electronic and transport properties. Thus, understanding the properties of point defects like vacancies and interstitials is essential for the successful application of semiconductor materials. In the present study, first-principles calculations are carried out to explore the stability of point defects in GaAs/Al_(0.5)Ga_(0.5)As superlattice and their effects on electronic properties. The results show that the interstitial defects and Frenkel pair defects are relatively difficult to form, while the antisite defects are favorably created generally. Besides, the existence of point defects generally modifies the electronic structure of GaAs/Al_(0.5)Ga_(0.5)As superlattice significantly, and most of the defective SL structures possess metallic characteristics. Considering the stability of point defects and carrier mobility of defective states,we propose an effective strategy that AlAs, GaAs, and AlGaantisite defects are introduced to improve the hole or electron mobility of GaAs/Al_(0.5)Ga_(0.5)As superlattice. The obtained results will contribute to the understanding of the radiation damage effects of the GaAs/AlGaAs superlattice, and provide a guidance for designing highly stable and durable semiconductor superlattice-based electronics and optoelectronics for extreme environment applications.