Elastic constants and mechanical stability of In_xAl_1 − xAs_ySb_1 − y lattice-matched to different substrates

ABSTRACT

Based on a pseudopotential approach under the virtual crystal approximation, the elastic modulus of In_xAl_1 − xAs_ySb_1 − y quaternaries lattice-matched to InP, GaSb and InAs substrates has been investigated. Our findings show a reasonably good accord with experiment. The dependence of the elastic features of interest on the indium concentration x shows a monotonic behaviour when In_xAl_1 − xAs_ySb_1 − y is lattice-matched to InP substrate. In that case, the elastic constants have larger values and the material system of interest becomes less harder and its rigidity becomes weaker. The mechanical stability criteria is verified in terms of elastic constants and shows that In_xAl_1 − xAs_ySb_1 − y is mechanically stable for each x and substrate being considered here. The change in indium content x and the substrate is found to have no much effect on both the Poisson ratio and machinability. The present study showed that a proper choice of the indium composition x and substrate may provide more diverse opportunities as regards the elastic modulus of In_xAl_1 − xAs_ySb_1 − y.

KEYWORDS:

• Elastic constants
• mechanical properties
• quaternaries
• In_xAl_1 − xAs_ySb_1 − y
• lattice-matching alloys
• substrates

Additional information

Funding

The authors extend their appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Khalid University for funding this work through research groups programme [grant number R.G.P. 2/4/38].