An advanced theoretical approach to study super-multiperiod superlattices:theory vs experiments

A new theoretical method to study super-multiperiod superlattices has been developed.The method combines the precision of the 8-band kp-method with the flexibility of the shooting method and the Monte Carlo approach.This method was applied to examine the finest quality samples of super-multiperiod Al_(0.3)Ga_(0.7)As/GaAs superlattices grown by molecular beam epitaxy.The express photoreflectance spectroscopy method was utilized to validate the proposed theoretical method.For the first time,the accurate theoretical analysis of the energy band diagram of super-multiperiod superlattices with experimental verification has been conducted.The proposed approach highly accurately determines transition peak positions and enables the calculation of the energy band diagram,transition energies,relaxation rates,and gain estimation.It has achieved a remarkably low 5%error compared to the commonly used method,which typically results in a 25%error,and allowed to recover the superlattice parameters.The retrieved intrinsic parameters of the samples aligned with XRD data and growth parameters.The proposed method also accurately predicted the escape of the second energy level for quantum well thicknesses less than 5 nm,as was observed in photoreflectance experiments.The new designs of THz light-emitting devices operating at room temperature were suggested by the developed method.

Bending Resistance Covalent Organic Framework Superlattice:“Nano‑Hourglass”‑Induced Charge Accumulation for Flexible In‑Plane Micro‑Supercapacitors

Covalent organic framework(COF)film with highly exposed active sites is considered as the promising flexible selfsupported electrode for in-plane microsupercapacitor(MSC).Superlattice configuration assembled alternately by different nanofilms based on van der Waals force can integrate the advantages of each isolated layer to exhibit unexpected performances as MSC film electrodes,which may be a novel option to ensure energy output.Herein,a mesoporous free-standing A-COF nanofilm(pore size is 3.9 nm,averaged thickness is 4.1 nm)with imine bond linkage and a microporous B-COF nanofilm(pore size is 1.5 nm,averaged thickness is 9.3 nm)withβ-keto-enamine-linkages are prepared,and for the first time,we assembly the two lattice matching films into sandwich-type superlattices via layer-by-layer transfer,in which ABA–COF superlattice stacking into a“nano-hourglass”steric configuration that can accelerate the dynamic charge transportation/accumulation and promote the sufficient redox reactions to energy storage.The fabricated flexible MSC–ABA–COF exhibits the highest intrinsic CV of 927.9 F cm^(−3) at 10 mV s^(−1) than reported two-dimensional alloy,graphite-like carbon and undoped COF-based MSC devices so far,and shows a bending-resistant energy density of 63.2 mWh cm^(−3) even after high-angle and repeat arbitrary bending from 0 to 180°.This work provides a feasible way to meet the demand for future miniaturization and wearable electronics.

Spontaneous isospin polarization and quantum Hall ferromagnetism in a rhombohedral trilayer graphene superlattice

Moiré superlattices in van der Waals heterostructures have recently attracted enormous interests, due to the highly controllable electronic correlation that gives rise to superconductivity, ferromagnetism, and nontrivial topological properties. To gain a deep understanding of such exotic properties, it is essential to clarify the broken symmetry between spin and valley flavors which universally exists in these ground states. Here in a rhombohedral trilayer graphene crystallographically aligned with a hexagonal boron nitride, we report various kinds of symmetry-breaking transition tuned by displacement fields(D) and magnetic fields:(ⅰ) While it is well known that a finite D can enhance correlation to result in correlated insulators at fractional fillings of a flat band, we find the correlation gap emerges before the flavor is fully filled at a positive D, but the sequence is reversed at a negative D.(ⅱ) Around zero D, electronic correlation can be invoked by narrow Landau levels, leading to quantum Hall ferromagnetism that lifts all the degeneracies including not only spin and valley but also orbital degrees of freedom. Our result unveils the complication of transitions between symmetry-breaking phases, shedding light on the mechanisms of various exotic phenomena in strongly correlated systems.

Epitaxial growth of trilayer graphene moiré superlattice

The graphene-based moiré superlattice has been demonstrated as an exciting system for investigating strong correlation phenomenon. However, the fabrication of such moiré superlattice mainly relies on transfer technology. Here, we report the epitaxial growth of trilayer graphene(TLG) moiré superlattice on hexagonal boron nitride(h BN) by a remote plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition method. The as-grown TLG/h BN shows a uniform moiré pattern with a period of ~ 15 nm by atomic force microscopy(AFM) imaging, which agrees with the lattice mismatch between graphene and h BN. By fabricating the device with both top and bottom gates, we observed a gate-tunable bandgap at charge neutral point(CNP) and displacement field tunable satellite resistance peaks at half and full fillings. The resistance peak at half-filling indicates a strong electron–electron correlation in our grown TLG/h BN superlattice. In addition, we observed quantum Hall states at Landau level filling factors ν = 6, 10, 14,..., indicating that our grown trilayer graphene has the ABC stacking order. Our work suggests that epitaxy provides an easy way to fabricate stable and reproducible two-dimensional strongly correlated electronic materials.

Impeded thermal transport in aperiodic BN/C nanotube superlattices due to phonon Anderson localization

Anderson localization of phonons is a kind of phonon wave effect,which has been proved to occur in many structures with disorders.In this work,we introduced aperiodicity to boron nitride/carbon nanotube superlattices(BN/C NT SLs),and used molecular dynamics to calculate the thermal conductivity and the phonon transmission spectrum of the models.The existence of phonon Anderson localization was proved in this quasi one-dimensional structure by analyzing the phonon transmission spectra.Moreover,we introduced interfacial mixing to the aperiodic BN/C NT SLs and found that the coexistence of the two disorder entities(aperiodicity and interfacial mixing)can further decrease the thermal conductivity.In addition,we also showed that anharmonicity can destroy phonon localization at high temperatures.This work provides a reference for designing thermoelectric materials with low thermal conductivity by taking advantage of phonon localization.

High-performance extended short-wavelength infrared PBn photodetectors based on InAs/GaSb/AlSb superlattices

High performance short-wavelength infrared PBn photodetectors based on InAs/GaSb/AlSb superlattices on GaSb substrate have been demonstrated.At 300 K,the device exhibits a 50%cut-off wavelength of~2.1μm as predicted from the band structure calculation;the device responsivity peaks at 0.85 A/W,corresponding to a quantum efficiency(QE)of 56%for 2.0μm-thick absorption region.The dark current density of 1.03×10^(-3)A/cm^(2)is obtained under 50 mV applied bias.The device exhibits a saturated dark current shot noise limited specific detectivity(D*)of 3.29×1010cm·Hz^(1/2)/W(at a peak responsivity of 2.0μm)under-50 mV applied bias.

Recent progress on fabrication and flat-band physics in 2D transition metal dichalcogenides moiré superlattices

Moiré superlattices are formed when overlaying two materials with a slight mismatch in twist angle or lattice constant. They provide a novel platform for the study of strong electronic correlations and non-trivial band topology, where emergent phenomena such as correlated insulating states, unconventional superconductivity, and quantum anomalous Hall effect are discovered. In this review, we focus on the semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides(TMDs) based moiré systems that host intriguing flat-band physics. We first review the exfoliation methods of two-dimensional materials and the fabrication technique of their moiré structures. Secondly, we overview the progress of the optically excited moiré excitons, which render the main discovery in the early experiments on TMD moiré systems. We then introduce the formation mechanism of flat bands and their potential in the quantum simulation of the Hubbard model with tunable doping, degeneracies, and correlation strength. Finally, we briefly discuss the challenges and future perspectives of this field.

Strain compensated type Ⅱ superlattices grown by molecular beam epitaxy

We investigate a strain compensation method for the growth of complex interband cascade laser structures. For thick In As/Al Sb superlattice clad layers, the sublayer thicknesses were adjusted so that the tensile strain energy in the In As sublayer was equal to the compressive strain energy in the Al Sb sublayer. For the four-constituent active region, as the compressive strain in the Ga0.65In0.35Sb alloy layer was large, a tensile strain was incorporated in the chirped In As/Al Sb superlattice region for strain compensation to the Ga0.65In0.35Sb alloy. A laser structure of thickness 6 μm was grown on the Ga Sb substrate by molecular beam epitaxy. The wafer exhibited good surface morphology and high crystalline quality.

Long wavelength interband cascade photodetector with type Ⅱ InAs/GaSb superlattice absorber

We report on a long wavelength interband cascade photodetector with type Ⅱ InAs/GaSb superlattice absorber.The device is a three-stage interband cascade structure.At 77 K,the 50%cutoff wavelength of the detector is 8.48μm and the peak photoresponse wavelength is 7.78μm.The peak responsivity is 0.93 A/W and the detectivity D*is 1.12×10^(11)cm·Hz0.5/W for 7.78μm at-0.20 V.The detector can operate up to about 260 K.At 260 K,the 50%cutoff wavelength is 11.52μm,the peak responsivity is 0.78 A/W and the D*is 5.02×10^(8)cm·Hz0.5/W for the peak wavelength of 10.39μm at-2.75 V.The dark current of the device is dominated by the diffusion current under both a small bias voltage of-0.2 V and a large one of-2.75 V for the temperature range of 120 to 260 K.

Superwide-angle acoustic propagations above the critical angles of the Snell law in liquid solid superlattice

In this paper, superwide-angle acoustic propagations above the critical angles of the Snell law in liquid–solid superlattice are investigated. Incident waves above the critical angles of the Snell law usually inevitably induce total reflection.However, incident waves with big oblique angles through the liquid–solid superlattice will produce a superwide angle transmission in a certain frequency range so that total reflection does not occur. Together with the simulation by finite element analysis, theoretical analysis by using transfer matrix method suggests the Bragg scattering of the Lamb waves as the physical mechanism of acoustic wave super-propagation far beyond the critical angle. Incident angle, filling fraction,and material thickness have significant influences on propagation. Superwide-angle propagation phenomenon may have potential applications in nondestructive evaluation of layered structures and controlling of energy flux.

The electrochemical characteristics of AB_(4)-type rare earth-Mg-Ni-based superlattice structure hydrogen storage alloys for nickel metal hydride battery

Rare earth-Mg-Ni-based alloys with superlattice structures are new generation negative electrode materials for the nickel metal hydride batteries.Among them,the novel AB_(4)-type superlattice structure alloy is supposed to have superior cycling stability and rate capability.Yet its preparation is hindered by the crucial requirement of temperature and the special composition which is close to the other superlattice structure.Here,we prepare rare earth-Mg-Ni-based alloy and study the phase transformation of alloys to make clear the formation of AB_(4)-type phase.It is found Pr_(5)Co_(19)-type phase is converted from Ce_(5)Co_(19)-type phase and shows good stability at higher temperature compared to the Ce_(5)Co_(19)-type phase in the range of 930-970℃.Afterwards,with further 5℃increasing,AB_(4)-type superlattice structure forms at a temperature of 975℃by consuming Pr_(5)Co_(19)-type phase.In contrast with A_(5)B_(19)-type alloy,AB_(4)-type alloy has superior rate capability owing to the dominant advantages of charge transfer and hydrogen diffusion.Besides,AB_(4)-type alloy shows long lifespan whose capacity retention rates are 89.2%at the 100;cycle and 82.8%at the 200;cycle,respectively.AB_(4)-type alloy delivers 1.53 wt.%hydrogen storage capacity at room temperature and exhibits higher plateau pressure than Pr_(5)Co_(19)-type alloy.The work provides novel AB_(4)-type alloy with preferable electrochemical performance as negative electrode material to inspire the development of nickel metal hydride batteries.

Molecular Chirality and Chiral Superlattice in Crystal of Tetrakis[(pyrrol-1-yl)methyl]methane

The crystal structure of tetrakis[(pyrrol-1-yl)methyl]methane was determined by X-ray diffraction measurement, and the result shows that it belongs to monoclinic crystal system, space group is P2 1/n, with a=0.9284(3) nm, b=1.0950(6) nm, c=1.8749(8) nm; α=γ= 90.00(4)°, β=103.63(3)°, V=1.8523(14) nm 3, Z=4, ρ calcd. =1.192 kg/m 3, μ=0.072 nm -1 , F(000)=712, R 1=0.0854, wR 2=0.1884. It has been found that the molecules exist in two enantiomeric states. Enantioselective self-assemblies such as one-dimensional molecular stacks in a single handedness, homochiral monolayers and a chiral superlattice are specified in this racemic crystal. In addition, a simple technique is advocated to distinguish chiral states from tetrahedral molecules in the solid state. The present R/S nomenclature of the tetracooradinated carbon centers is used solely for its convenience to distinguish the two enantiomeric states, but not used to determine the absolute configurations.

Scalable fabrication of geometry-tunable self-aligned superlattice photonic crystals for spectrum-programmable light trapping

Superlattice photonic crystals (SPhCs) possess considerablepotentials as building blocks for constructing high-performancedevices because of their great flexibilities in opticalmanipulation. From the prospective of practical applications,scalable fabrication of SPhCs with large-area uniformity and precisegeometrical controllability has been considered as one prerequisitebut still remains a challenge.

Low Crosstalk Three-Color Infrared Detector by Controlling the Minority Carriers Type of InAs/GaSb Superlattices for Middle-Long and Very-Long Wavelength

We report a type-Ⅱ InAs/GaSb superlattice three-color infrared detector for mid-wave （MW）, long-wave （LW）, and very long-wave （VLW） detections. The detector structure consists of three contacts of NIPIN architecture for MW and LW detections, and hetero-junction NIP architecture for VLW detection. It is found that the spectral crosstalks can be significantly reduced by controlling the minority carriers transport via doping beryllium in the two active regions of NIPIN section. The crosstalk detection at MW, LW, and VLW signals are achieved by selecting the bias voltages on the device. At 77K, the cutoff wavelengths of the three-color detection are 5.3μm （at OmV）, 141μm （at 300mV） and 19μm （at -20mV） with the detectivities of 4.6xlO11 cm.Hzl/ZW-1, 2.3×10^10 cm.Hzl/2W-1, and 1.0×10^10cm.Hzl/2W-1 for MW, LW and VLW. The crosstalks of the MW channel, LW channel, and VLW channel are almost 0, 0.25, and 0.6, respectively.

Molecular Beam Epitaxy of Zero Lattice-Mismatch InAs/GaSb Type-Ⅱ Superlattice

Type-Ⅱ InAs/GaSb superlattiees made of 13 InAs monolayers （MLs） and 7 GaSb MLs are grown on GaSb substrates by solid source molecular beam epitaxy. To obtain lattice-matched structures, thin InSb layers are inserted between InAs and GaSb layers. We complete a series of experiments to investigate the influence of the InSb deposition time, Ⅴ/Ⅲ beam-equivalent pressure ratio and interruption time between each layer, and then characterize the superlattice （SL） structures with high-resolution x-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy. The optimized growth parameters are applied to grow the 100-period SL structure, resulting in the full-width half-maximum of 29.55 arcsee for the first SL satellite peak and zero lattice-mismatch between the zero-order SL peak and the GaSb substrate peak.

ELECTRONIC STRUCTURES OF (CdSe)_n/(ZnSe)_m STRAINED-LAYER SUPERLATTICES

The electronic structures of (CdSe)n/(ZnSe)m strained-lager soperfattice (SLS) were investigated by the recursion method in the tight-bindiop opproximation. The total,local, and partial density of states were calculated for n=1, m=5.The total density of states (TDOS) for bulk CdSe, ZnSe and n=1, 3, m=1, 3, 5, for SLS were investigated.Fermi energy, the band gap, the valence of an atom, and the ionization potential and the electron affinity were discassed.

The influence of AlN/GaN superlattice intermediate layer on the properties of GaN grown on Si（111） substrates

AlN/GaN superlattice buffer is inserted between GaN epitaxiai layer and Si substrate before epitaxiai growth of GaN layer. High-quality and crack-free GaN epitaxiai layers can be obtained by inserting AlN/GaN superlattice buffer layer. The influence of AlN/GaN superlattice buffer layer on the properties of GaN films are investigated in this paper. One of the important roles of the superlattice is to release tensile strain between Si substrate and epilayer. Raman spectra show a substantial decrease of in-plane tensile strain in GaN layers by using AlN/GaN superlattice buffer layer. Moreover, TEM cross-sectional images show that the densities of both screw and edge dislocations are significantly reduced. The GaN films grown on Si with the superlattice buffer also have better surface morphology and optical properties.

Interface effect on superlattice quality and optical properties of InAs/GaSb type-Ⅱ superlattices grown by molecular beam epitaxy

We systematically investigate the influence of InSb interface(IF)engineering on the crystal quality and optical properties of strain-balanced InAs/GaSb type-Ⅱsuperlattices(T2SLs).The type-Ⅱsuperlattice structure is 120 periods InAs(8 ML)/GaSb(6 ML)with different thicknesses of InSb interface grown by molecular beam epitaxy(MBE).The highresolution x-ray diffraction(XRD)curves display sharp satellite peaks,and the narrow full width at half maximum(FWHM)of the 0th is only 30-39 arcsec.From high-resolution cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy(HRTEM)characterization,the InSb heterointerfaces and the clear spatial separation between the InAs and GaSb layers can be more intuitively distinguished.As the InSb interface thickness increases,the compressive strain increases,and the surface“bright spots”appear to be more apparent from the atomic force microscopy(AFM)results.Also,photoluminescence(PL)measurements verify that,with the increase in the strain,the bandgap of the superlattice narrows.By optimizing the InSb interface,a high-quality crystal with a well-defined surface and interface is obtained with a PL wavelength of 4.78μm,which can be used for mid-wave infrared(MWIR)detection.

High-operating-temperature MWIR photodetector based on a InAs/GaSb superlattice grown by MOCVD

We demonstrate a high-operating-temperature(HOT)mid-wavelength InAs/GaSb superlattice heterojunction in-frared photodetector grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition.High crystalline quality and the near-zero lattice mis-match of a InAs/GaSb superlattice on an InAs substrate were evidenced by high-resolution X-ray diffraction.At a bias voltage of-0.1 V and an operating temperature of 200 K,the device exhibited a 50%cutoff wavelength of~4.9μm,a dark current dens-ity of 0.012 A/cm^(2),and a peak specific detectivity of 2.3×10^(9) cm·Hz^(1/2)/W.

Enhanced performance of GaN-based light-emitting diodes with InGaN/GaN superlattice barriers

GaN-based multiple quantum well light-emitting diodes （LEDs） with conventional and superlattice barriers have been investigated numerically. Simulation results demonstrate using InGaN/GaN superlattices as barriers can effectively enhance performances of the GaN-Based LEDs, mainly owing to the improvement of hole injection and transport among the MQW active region. Meanwhile, the improved electron capture decreases the electron leakage and alleviates the efficiency droop. The weak polarization field induced by the superlattice structure strengthens the intensity of the emission spectrum and leads to a blue-shift relative to the conventional one.