Mid-infrared (3-8μm) Ge1-ySny alloys (0.15<y<0.30): Synthesis, structural, and optical properties

Ge1-ySny alloys with compositions in the 0.15<0.30 range have been grown directly on Si substrates using a chemical vapor deposition approach that allows for growth temperatures as high as 290 degrees C. The films show structural properties that are consistent with results from earlier materials with much lower Sn concentrations. These include the lattice parameter and the Ge-Ge Raman frequency, which are found to depend linearly on composition. The simplicity of the structures, directly grown on Si, makes it possible to carry out detailed optical studies. Sharp absorption edges are found, reaching 8 mu m near y=0.3. The compositional dependence of edge energies shows a cubic deviation from the standard quadratic alloy expression. The cubic term may dramatically impact the ability of the alloys to cover the long-wavelength (8-12 mu m) mid-IR atmospheric window.