In-plane anisotropy of the optical properties of (In0.5Ga0.5As)(n)/(InP)(n) superlattices - art. no. 165303

In this pager we study the electronic and optical properties of (In0.5Ga0.5 As)(n)/(InP)(n) superlattices, where the Ga0.5In0.5As alloy is described bo th through the virtual crystal approximation (VCA) and through an appropria te ordered ternary structure. By first-principles calculations of the diele ctric tensor elements we address the issue of the giant polarization anisot ropy of the optical absorption experimentally observed in these superlattic es. The magnitude of the anisotropy depends on the splitting between the ho le states at the valence band top which is due to the lowering of the overa ll symmetry to the C-2v point group and it is greatly influenced by strain not only at the interfaces but also in the bulk alloy.