Towards higher electro-optic response in AlScN

IF 3.5 2区物理与天体物理 Q2 PHYSICS, APPLIED

Applied Physics Letters Pub Date : 2025-01-27 DOI:10.1063/5.0244434

Haochen Wang, Sai Mu, Chris G. Van de Walle

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Novel materials with large electro-optic (EO) coefficients are essential for developing ultra-compact broadband modulators and enabling effective quantum transduction. Compared to lithium niobate, the most widely used nonlinear optical material, wurtzite AlScN, offers advantages in nano-photonic devices due to its compatibility with integrated circuits. We perform detailed first-principles calculations to investigate the electro-optic effect in Al1−xScxN alloys and superlattices. At elevated Sc concentrations in alloys, the EO coefficients increase; importantly, we find that cation ordering along the c axis leads to enhanced EO response. Strain engineering can be used to further manipulate the EO coefficients of AlScN films. With applied in-plane strains, the piezoelectric contributions to the EO coefficients increase dramatically, even exceeding 250 pm/V. We also explore the possibility of EO enhancement through superlattice engineering, finding that nonpolar a-plane (AlN)m/(ScN)n superlattices increase EO coefficients beyond 40 pm/V. Our findings provide design principles to enhance the electro-optic effect through alloy engineering and heterostructure architecture.

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来源期刊

Applied Physics Letters 物理-物理：应用

CiteScore

6.40

自引率

10.00%

发文量

1821

审稿时长

1.6 months

期刊介绍： Applied Physics Letters (APL) features concise, up-to-date reports on significant new findings in applied physics. Emphasizing rapid dissemination of key data and new physical insights, APL offers prompt publication of new experimental and theoretical papers reporting applications of physics phenomena to all branches of science, engineering, and modern technology. In addition to regular articles, the journal also publishes invited Fast Track, Perspectives, and in-depth Editorials which report on cutting-edge areas in applied physics. APL Perspectives are forward-looking invited letters which highlight recent developments or discoveries. Emphasis is placed on very recent developments, potentially disruptive technologies, open questions and possible solutions. They also include a mini-roadmap detailing where the community should direct efforts in order for the phenomena to be viable for application and the challenges associated with meeting that performance threshold. Perspectives are characterized by personal viewpoints and opinions of recognized experts in the field. Fast Track articles are invited original research articles that report results that are particularly novel and important or provide a significant advancement in an emerging field. Because of the urgency and scientific importance of the work, the peer review process is accelerated. If, during the review process, it becomes apparent that the paper does not meet the Fast Track criterion, it is returned to a normal track.