Direct observation of strain in InAs quantum dots and cap layer during molecular beam epitaxial growth using X-ray diffraction

Shimomura, Kenichi*; Suzuki, Hidetoshi*; Sasaki, Takuo; Takahashi, Masamitsu; Oshita, Yoshio*; Kamiya, Itaru*

Direct measurements on the growth of InAs quantum dots (QDs) and various cap layers during molecular beam epitaxy are performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The evolution of strain induced both in the QDs and cap layers during capping is discussed based on the XRD intensity transients obtained at various lattice constants. Transients with different features are observed from those obtained during InGaAs and GaAs capping, attributed to In-Ga intermixing between the QDs and the cap layer. Photoluminescence wavelength can be tuned by controlling the intermixing and the cap layer thickness. It is demonstrated that such information about strain is useful for designing and preparing novel device structures.