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At least 19 records

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NASA NTRS2004

Growing High-Quality InAs Quantum Dots for Infrared Lasers

An improved method of growing high-quality InAs quantum dots embedded in lattice-matched InGaAs quantum wells on InP substrates has been developed. InAs/InGaAs/InP quantum dot semiconductor lasers fabricated by this method are capable of operating at room temperature at wavelengths greater than or equal to 1.8 mm. Previously, InAs quantum dot lasers based on InP substrates have been reported only at low temperature of 77 K at a wavelength of 1.9 micrometers. In the present method, as in the prior method, one utilizes metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy to grow the aforementioned semiconductor structures. The development of the present method was prompted in part by the observation that when InAs quantum dots are deposited on an InGaAs layer, some of the InAs in the InGaAs layer becomes segregated from the layer and contributes to the formation of the InAs quantum dots. As a result, the quantum dots become highly nonuniform; some even exceed a critical thickness, beyond which they relax. In the present method, one covers the InGaAs layer with a thin layer of GaAs before depositing the InAs quantum dots. The purpose and effect of this thin GaAs layer is to suppress the segregation of InAs from the InGaAs layer, thereby enabling the InAs quantum dots to become nearly uniform (see figure). Devices fabricated by this method have shown near-room-temperature performance.

Qiu, Yueming↗

DOE OSTI2025

Radiation-resilient InAs quantum dot lasers

Displacement damage from particle radiation increases the threshold current of semiconductor lasers, impeding the deployment of photonic systems in harsh radiation environments. Replacing conventional quantum well (QW) gain regions with quantum dots (QDs) has been shown to suppress the radiation-induced increase in threshold current owing to three-dimensional carrier confinement, which effectively segregates charge carriers away from radiation-induced defects. However, radiation-induced change in threshold current is also affected by extrinsic design elements of a laser, such as photon lifetime, and therefore provides only a partial assessment of the radiation hardness. In this work, we advance the understanding of the radiation resiliency of InAs QD lasers by extracting the change in the nonradiative recombination rate after radiation exposure, which provides a more fundamental assessment of the intrinsic radiation hardness of InAs QD gain regions. We find that carriers that populate InAs QD states have a nonradiative recombination rate that is over an order-of-magnitude less sensitive to neutron radiation relative to carriers in InGaAsP QWs. InAs QD lasers must be designed such that carriers primarily occupy QD states, preventing carrier spillover into surrounding barrier layers to obtain the maximum benefit. Furthermore, we show that enhanced radiation hardness is observed in InAs QD lasers grown on both highly lattice-mismatched silicon substrates and native GaAs substrates, further broadening the appeal of InAs QD lasers as reliable light sources for photonic systems operating in harsh radiation environments.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

DOE OSTI2025

InAs sidewall tunnel diodes enabled by surface states

Negative differential resistance (NDR), where the device current decreases with increasing bias voltage, is a representative phenomenon where quantum mechanics induces counterintuitive physical behavior and offers promising applications such as high-frequency oscillators, amplifiers, and multilevel logic circuits. While the NDR behavior has been extensively studied in various materials and devices, the role of surface properties in NDR, particularly in InAs-based diodes, remains underexplored. In this work, we report the observation of NDR in vertically structured InAs p + n diodes that exhibit a peak-valley current ratio of ∼6, which is suitably high for applications. Circumference-normalized current–voltage characterization revealed that the NDR originates from band-to-band tunneling between the valence band of p + -InAs and the conduction band of an n + -InAs surface, where the n + surface is due to surface states on otherwise n − -InAs. In addition, by comparing devices with various surface passivation methods (without intentional passivation, benzocyclobutene polymer, and silicon nitride), we found that the surface termination significantly affects the NDR characteristics. We present an equivalent circuit model to explain the observed device behavior. These findings offer insights into surface-enabled NDR phenomena and present new knobs for engineering NDR devices.

Circuit theorems↗

NASA NTRS1980

The geology and morphology of Ina

The lunar feature Ina, an unusual D-shaped depression, is located in Lacus Felicitatis north of Mare Vaporum. Attention was drawn to the feature because of its strange 'blistered' appearance. Using detailed topographic data available from the Lunar Topographic Orthophotomap (LTO) series, it is now possible to depict the morphology and structure of Ina and the surrounding region more accurately than was previously feasible. The maps employed in the study are 41C3 and 41C4 at 1:250,000 scale, and 41C3S1 (Ina) at 1:10,000 scale. Attention is given to the regional setting, and the morphologic characteristics and origins of features. It is concluded that Ina is an apparently unique volcanic feature. It rests on a dome displaying evidence of episodic extrusive activity. Its odd D-shape is probably related to a local fracture pattern, since the straight edge is aligned with other small lineaments in the area. Ina's floor exhibits several volcanic units.

Strain, P. L.↗

NASA NTRS1995

The growth of low band-gap InAs on (111)B GaAs substrates

The use of low band-gap materials is of interest for a number of photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications, such as bottom cells of optimized multijunction solar cell designs, long wavelength light sources, detectors, and thermophotovoltaics. However, low band-gap materials are generally mismatched with respect to lattice constant, thermal expansion coefficient, and chemical bonding to the most appropriate commercially available substrates (Si, Ge, and GaAs). For the specific case of III-V semiconductor heteroepitaxy, one must contend with the strain induced by both lattice constant mismatch at the growth temperature and differences in the rates of mechanical deformation during the cool down cycle. Several experimental techniques have been developed to minimize the impact of these phenomena (i.e., compositional grading, strained layer superlattices, and high-temperature annealing). However, in highly strained systems such as InAs-on-GaAs, three-dimensional island formation and large defect densities (greater than or equal to 10(exp 8)/ cm(exp -2)) tend to limit their applicability. In these particular cases, the surface morphology and defect density must be controlled during the initial stages of nucleation and growth. At the last SPRAT conference, we reported on a study of the evolution of InAs islands on (100) and (111)B GaAs substrates. Growth on the (111)B orientation exhibits a number of advantageous properties as compared to the (100) during these early stages of strained-layer epitaxy. In accordance with a developing model of nucleation and growth, we have deposited thin (60 A - 2500 A), fully relaxed InAs films on (111)B GaAs substrates. Although thicker InAs films are subject to the formation of twin defects common to epitaxy on the (111)B orientation, appropriate control of the growth parameters can greatly minimize their density. Using this knowledge base, InAs films up to 2 microns in thickness with improved morphology and structural quality have been grown on (111)B GaAs substrates, thereby enabling the measurement of electronic and optical properties.

Welser, R. E.↗

NASA NTRS2012

The Origin of Ina: Evidence for Inflated Lava Flows on the Moon

Ina is an enigmatic volcanic feature on the Moon known for its irregularly shaped mounds, the origin of which has been debated since the Apollo Missions. Three main units are observed on the floor of the depression (2.9 km across, < or =64 m deep) located at the summit of a low-shield volcano: irregularly shaped mounds up to 20 m tall, a lower unit 1 to 5 m in relief that surrounds the mounds, and blocky material. Analyses of Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera images and topography show that features in Ina are morphologically similar to terrestrial inflated lava flows. Comparison of these unusual lunar mounds and possible terrestrial analogs leads us to hypothesize that features in Ina were formed through lava flow inflation processes. While the source of the lava remains unclear, this new model suggests that as the mounds inflated, breakouts along their margins served as sources for surface flows that created the lower morphologic unit. Over time, mass wasting of both morphologic units has exposed fresh surfaces observed in the blocky unit. Ina is different than the terrestrial analogs presented in this study in that the lunar features formed within a depression, no vent sources are observed, and no cracks are observed on the mounds. However, lava flow inflation processes explain many of the morphologic relationships observed in Ina and are proposed to be analogous with inflated lava flows on Earth.

Garry, W. B.↗

DOE OSTI2024

InAs Terahertz Metalens Emitter for Focused Terahertz Beam Generation

Metasurfaces have opened doors to combining multiple photonic functionalities in a single compact device. In particular, the ability to generate short terahertz (THz) pulses with precise wavefront engineering in a single THz metasurface redefined the role metasurfaces can play in THz systems. Here, an InAs metalens emitter which generates and focuses a THz pulse beam is demonstrated using a 130 nm thick InAs metasurface designed as a binary‐phase Fresnel zone plate. The THz beam is focused to a spot of ≈430 μm at 1 THz with a short focal length of 5 mm and large numerical aperture of 0.5. Nanoscale InAs Mie resonators comprising the metasurface enable THz generation with an amplitude as high as 20 times compared to plasmonic THz emitters and several times compared to a 1 mm thick ZnTe crystal. This InAs metasurface emitter provides a new paradigm for designing THz imaging, spectroscopy, and communication systems, where THz beam generation and shaping are performed with a single device without compromising the generation efficiency, while eliminating losses and avoiding limitations of phase matching of conventional nonlinear optics approaches.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

NASA NTRS2005

Adding GaAs Monolayers to InAs Quantum-Dot Lasers on (001) InP

In a modification of the basic configuration of InAs quantum-dot semiconductor lasers on (001)lnP substrate, a thin layer (typically 1 to 2 monolayer thick) of GaAs is incorporated into the active region. This modification enhances laser performance: In particular, whereas it has been necessary to cool the unmodified devices to temperatures of about 80 K in order to obtain lasing at long wavelengths, the modified devices can lase at wavelengths of about 1.7 microns or more near room temperature. InAs quantum dots self-assemble, as a consequence of the lattice mismatch, during epitaxial deposition of InAs on ln0.53Ga0.47As/lnP. In the unmodified devices, the quantum dots as thus formed are typically nonuniform in size. Strainenergy relaxation in very large quantum dots can lead to poor laser performance, especially at wavelengths near 2 microns, for which large quantum dots are needed. In the modified devices, the thin layers of GaAs added to the active regions constitute potential-energy barriers that electrons can only penetrate by quantum tunneling and thus reduce the hot carrier effects. Also, the insertion of thin GaAs layer is shown to reduce the degree of nonuniformity of sizes of the quantum dots. In the fabrication of a batch of modified InAs quantum-dot lasers, the thin additional layer of GaAs is deposited as an interfacial layer in an InGaAs quantum well on (001) InP substrate. The device as described thus far is sandwiched between InGaAsPy waveguide layers, then further sandwiched between InP cladding layers, then further sandwiched between heavily Zn-doped (p-type) InGaAs contact layer.

Qiu, Yueming↗

NASA NTRS1984

Growth of InSb and InAs(1-x)Sb(x) by OM-CVD

Organometallic chemical vapor deposition (OM-CVD) growth of InSb and InAs(1-x)Sb(x) has been obtained using triethylindium (TEI), trimethylantimony (TMS), and arsine (AsH3) on (100) GaAs, (100) InSb, and (111)-B InSb substrates. InSb with excellent morphology was achieved on both (100) InSb and (111)-B InSb substrates. The measured electron mobility at 300 K of undoped InSb grown on (100) GaAs semi-insulating substrates was 40,000 sq cm/V-s at a carrier concentration of ND-NA = 2.0 x 10 to the 16th per cu cm. Carrier concentration of ND-NA = 1.2 x 10 to the 15th per cu cm has been measured at 77 K. InAs(1-x)Sb(x) (x = 0.07-0.75) with mirror-like surfaces have been grown on (100) InSb and InAs substrates. This composition range of x between 0.55 and 0.75 (Eg = 0.1 eV) has been successfully achieved for the first time. Solid composition variations as a function of growth temperature and InSb substrate orientations are also discussed.

Chiang, P. K.↗

NASA NTRS1996

The growth of low band-gap InAs on (111)B GaAs substrates

Growth on the (111)B orientation exhibits a number of advantageous properties as compared to the (100) during the early stages of strained-layer epitaxy. In accordance with a developing model of nucleation and growth, we have deposited thin (60 A - 2500 A), fully relaxed InAs films on (111)B GaAs substrates. Although thicker InAs films are subject to the formation of twin defects common to epitaxy on the (111)B orientation, appropriate control of the growth parameters can greatly minimize their density. Using this knowledge base, InAs films up to 2 microns in thickness with improved morphology and structural quality have been grown on (111)B GaAs substrates.

Welser, Roger E.↗

NASA NTRS1995

The Growth of Low Band-Gap InAs on (111)B GaAs Substrates

Weiser, R. E.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Sn-InAs Nanowire Shadow-Defined Josephson Junctions

Hybrid superconductor–semiconductor platforms are foundational to advancing quantum information technologies, motivating the integration of materials with clean interfaces, robust superconductivity, and scalable architectures. Here, in this work, we report the synthesis and analysis of inclined InAs nanowires, conformally coated with β-Sn shells. These nanowires extend in opposite in-plane directions, forming a self-aligned, criss-cross network. This enables the deterministic formation of nanowire-shadow Josephson junctions through angle-controlled, low-temperature Sn deposition. Structural characterization shows uniform polycrystalline β-Sn shells forming a sharp, diffusion-free interface with InAs. Low-temperature transport measurements reveal a hard induced superconducting gap ≈ 600 μeV, switching currents up to ≈ 500 nA, and parallel magnetic field resilience beyond 1T. These results establish β-Sn/InAs nanowire networks as a promising platform for superconducting qubits, low-noise microwave devices, and the exploration of exotic superconducting phases including triplet pairing and topological superconductivity.

B-Sn↗

DOE OSTI2026

Comparison of time-resolved photoluminescence and deep-level transient spectroscopy defect evaluations in an InAs nBn detector subjected to in situ and ex situ 63 MeV proton irradiation

Deep-level transient spectroscopy and temperature-dependent time-resolved photoluminescence experiments are performed on identical InAs nBn photodetector structures as a function of in situ and ex situ 63 MeV proton irradiation to assess their generation and recombination dynamics. Pre-irradiation, the n-type InAs absorbing region, exhibits a steadily increasing minority carrier lifetime with increasing temperature, providing evidence that excited minority carriers may be recombining via shallow defect levels. From deep-level transient spectroscopy, two features are found between 10 and 275 K: a low temperature broad “shoulder,” which suggests emission from multiple shallow electron defect levels with energies <29 meV and a high temperature minimum occurring at ∼230 K with an activation energy of 539 meV, which suggests a defect in the barrier layer in the device. Two similar nBn detectors are then subjected to 63 MeV proton irradiation in step doses and measured between steps. One experiment is performed in situ with an nBn held at ∼10 K during dosing, and the other experiment is performed ex situ with a similar nBn held at room temperature for dosing. The ex situ dosing results in an evaluation of the defect introduction rate that is three to four times lower than in situ due to partial annealing of the proton-induced displacement damage at room temperature. The results of these two experiments are then compared with the dose-dependent recombination rate analysis, resulting in an estimated recombination defect cross section of 1.6 × 10 −13 cm 2 for the shallow shoulder defect.

Carrasco, Rigo A. [Air Force Research Laboratory (↗

DOE OSTI2025

Nonmagnetic fractional conductance in high mobility InAs quantum point contacts

In this paper, we report the magnetoelectronic properties of high mobility InAs quantum point contacts grown on InP substrates. The InAs quantum well is embedded between In 0.72 ⁢Ga 0.28 ⁢As cladding layers and In 0.81 ⁢Al 0.19 ⁢As barrier layers, and is populated via self-accumulation. The one-dimensional (1D) conductance reaches a maximum value of 17 plateaus, quantized in units of 2⁢𝑒 2 /ℎ, where 𝑒 is the fundamental unit of charge and ℎ is Planck's constant. The in-plane effective 𝑔 factor was estimated to be −10.9 ± 1.5 for subband 𝑁 = 1 and −10.8 ± 1.6 for subband 𝑁 = 2. Furthermore, a study of the nonmagnetic fractional conductance states at 0.2 (𝑒 2 /ℎ) and 0.1 (𝑒 2 /ℎ) is provided. While their origin remains under discussion, evidence suggests that they arise from strong electron-electron interactions and momentum-conserving backscattering between electrons in two distinct channels within the 1D region. This phenomenon may also be interpreted as an entanglement between the two channel directions facilitated by momentum-conserving backscattering.

Ballistic transport↗

DOE OSTI2024

Design and Performance of an InAs Quantum Dot Scintillator with Integrated Photodetector

A new scintillation material composed of InAs quantum dots (QDs) hosted within a GaAs matrix was developed, and its performance with different types of radiation is evaluated. A methodology for designing an integrated photodetector (PD) with a low defect density and that is optically matched to the QD’s emission spectrum is introduced, utilizing an engineered epitaxial InAlGaAs metamorphic buffer layer. The photoluminescence (PL) collection efficiency of the integrated PD is examined using two-dimensional scanning laser excitation. The detector response to 5.5 MeV α-particles and 122 keV photons is presented. Yields of 13 electrons/keV for α-particles and 30–60 electrons/keV for photons were observed. The energy resolution of 12% observed with α-particles was mainly limited by noise- and geometry-related optical losses. The radiation hardness of an InAs QDs hosted within GaAs and a wider band gap AlGaAs ternary alloy was studied under a 1 MeV proton implantation up to a 10 14 cm –2 dose. The integrated PL responses were compared to evaluate PL quenching due to non-radiative defects. The QDs embedded in the AlGaAs demonstrated improved radiation hardness compared to QDs in the GaAs matrix and in the InGaAs quantum wells.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRS1989

Surface morphologies and electrical properties of molecular beam epitaxial InSb and InAs(x)Sb(1-x) grown on GaAs and InP substrates

Surface morphologies and electrical properties of molecular beam epitaxial InSb and InAs(x)Sb(1-x) grown on GaAs and InP substrates are discussed. The crystals are all n-type at 300 K and lower temperatures. The surface morphology and electrical characteristics are strongly dependent on Sb(4)/In flux ratio and substrate temperature. The highest mobilities in InSb on InP are 70,000 at 300 K and 110,000 cm(2)/V.s (n=3x10(15) cm(-3)) at 77 K. The mobilities in the alloys also increase monotonically with lowering of temperature. Good quality InAs(x)Sb(1-x) was grown directly on InP substrates by molecular beam epitaxy.

Oh, J. E.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Extended fine structures in the electron energy loss spectrum of InAs

The possibility of using electron energy loss fine structure (EELFS) for the characterization of thin pseudomorphic quantum wells of InAs and GaAs(100) is investigated. It is shown that the EELFS technique can yield reliable radial distribution functions for bulk InAs, provided beam-induced sample degradation is controlled stringently. Additional improvements in the data collection procedures, including better control of the sample condition, are required as well as more detailed work on separating contributions from multiple edges in the data analysis.

Schowengerdt, F. D.↗

NASA NTRS1990

InAs/GaAs and InAs doping superlattices

The extension of the optical response of narrow band gap III-V semiconductors into the long wavelength infrared radiation (LWIR) regime for high sensitivity sensor applications is a challenging problem. Recent advances in nipi doped GaAs superlattices, lattice mismatched epitaxy and the heteroepitaxial growth of III-V compound semiconductors on silicon substrates offer a number of opportunities. Researchers describe two different device approaches based on the molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) growth of superlattice materials which are directed to LWIR focal plane array technology. The first of these uses nipi superlattices fabricated in bulk InAs which has been grown on either GaAs or Si substrates. The second is based on the growth of a new pseudomorphic tetragonal phase of InAs on GaAs to create a semimetal/semiconductor superlattice material.

Grunthaner, Frank J.↗