A theoretical study of band structure properties for III-V nitrides quantum wells

Reliable and precise knowledge about the strain and composition effects on the band structure properties is crucial for the optimization of InGaN based heterostructures for electronic and optoelectronic device applications. AlInGaN as quaternary barrier material permits to control the band gap and the lattice constant independently. Using the model solid theory and the multi-band k.p interaction model, we investigate the composition effects on band offsets and band structure for pseudomorphic Ga1−xInxN/AlzInyGa1−y−zN (001) heterointerfaces having zinc-blende structure. The results show that both conduction and valence band states are strongly modified while varying In and Al contents in the well and barrier materials. Furthermore, it is found that using AlInGaN as the barrier material allows the design of heterostructures including InGaN wells with tensile, zero or compressive strain. Such results give new insights for III-nitride compounds based applications and especially may guide the design of white-light emission diodes