Shallow-terrace-like interface in dilute-bismuth GaSb/AlGaSb single quantum wells evidenced by photoluminescence

Photoluminescence (PL) measurements are performed on one GaSb/AlGaSb single-quantum-well (SQW) sample and two dilute-bismuth (Bi) GaSb/AlGaSb SQW samples grown at 360 and 380 °C, at low temperatures and under magnetic fields. Bimodal PL features are identified in the dilute-Bi samples, and to be accompanied by abnormal PL blueshift in the sample grown at 360 °C. The bimodal PL features are found to be from similar origins of band-to-band transition by magneto-PL evolution. Analysis indicates that the phenomenon can be well interpreted by the joint effect of interfacial large-lateral-scale islands and Al/Ga interdiffusion due to Bi incorporation. The interdiffusion introduces about 1-monolayer shrinkage to the effective quantum-well thickness, which is similar to the interfacial islands height, and the both together result in an unusual shallow-terrace-like interface between GaSbBi and AlGaSb. A phenomenological model is established, the Bi content of isoelectronic incorporation and the exciton reduced effective mass are estimated for the GaSbBi sample grown at 380 °C, and a value of about 21 meV/% is suggested for the bandgap bowing rate of GaSbBi. An effective routine is suggested for determining the Bi content and the depth of the shallow-terraces at interface in dilute-Bi SQW structures.