Optical properties of self-assembled quantum wires for application in infra-red detection

Abstract We present theoretical studies of optical properties of Ga 1− x In x As self-assembled quantum-wires (QWRs) made of short-period superlattices with strain-induced lateral ordering. Valence-band anisotropy, band mixing, and effects due to local strain distribution at the atomistic level are all taken into account. Using realistic material parameters which are experimentally feasible, we perform simulations of the absorption spectra for both inter-subband and inter-band transitions (including the excitonic effect) of this material. It is shown that the self-assembled QWRs have favorable optical properties for application in infra-red detection with normal incidence. The wavelength of detection for inter-subband transitions ranges from 10 to 20 μm with the length of QWR period varying from 150 to 300 A, while the wavelength for inter-band absorption is in the mid-IR range (