Effects of elastic energy on the spinodal decomposition of InNAsP/InP heterostructures

Abstract

Spinodal decomposition of the $\mbox{InN}_x \mbox{As}_y \mbox{P}_{\mbox{1 - x - y}} $ quaternary alloys lattice-matched to the InP as the result of the internal deformation and elastic energies is described. The alloys are represented as quasiternary regular solutions. The internal deformation energy is obtained from the interaction parameters between the constituent compounds estimated by the valence force field model. Ranges of spinodal decomposition of the $\mbox{InN}_x \mbox{As}_y \mbox{P}_{\mbox{1 - x - y}} $ alloys up to $\mbox{y} \le \mbox{0.109}$ with and without elastic energy are demonstrated. Our results suggest that such energy prevents spinodal decomposition.