MODIFICATION OF VALENCE-BAND SYMMETRY AND AUGER THRESHOLD ENERGY IN BIAXIALLY COMPRESSED INAS1-XSBX

Strained-layer superlattices (SLSs) with biaxially compressed InAs1-xSbx were characterized using magnetophotoluminescence and compared with unstrained InAs1-xSbx alloys. Holes in the SLS exhibited a decrease in effective mass, approaching that of the electrons. In the two-dimensional limit, a large increase in the Auger threshold energy accompanies this strain-induced change in SLS valence-band symmetry. Correspondingly, the activation energy for nonradiative recombination in the SLSs displayed a marked increase compared with that of the unstrained alloys. Strained-layer superlattices and alloy activation energies are in agreement with estimated Auger threshold energies. © 1995 The American Physical Society.