Coherent Phonon Dynamics in Short-Period InAs/GaSb Superlattices

TL;DR

This study investigates ultrafast coherent phonon oscillations in InAs/GaSb superlattices, revealing two distinct phonon modes that depend on superlattice structure and probe wavelength, useful for material characterization.

Contribution

It demonstrates the use of pump-probe spectroscopy to identify and analyze two types of coherent phonons in short-period InAs/GaSb superlattices, linking oscillation periods to superlattice properties.

Findings

Fast oscillation period correlates with superlattice period.

Slow oscillation depends on probe wavelength.

Coherent phonons can assess interface quality.

Abstract

We have performed ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy studies on a series of InAs/GaSb-based short-period superlattice (SL) samples with periods ranging from 46 \AA to 71 \AA. We observe two types of oscillations in the differential reflectivity with fast ($\sim$ 1- 2 ps) and slow ($\sim$ 24 ps) periods. The period of the fast oscillations changes with the SL period and can be explained as coherent acoustic phonons generated from carriers photoexcited within the SL. This mode provides an accurate method for determining the SL period and assessing interface quality. The period of the slow mode depends on the wavelength of the probe pulse and can be understood as a propagating coherent phonon wavepacket modulating the reflectivity of the probe pulse as it travels from the surface into the sample.