A Theoretical Simulation of the Radiation Responses of Si, Ge, and Si/Ge Superlattice to Low-Energy Irradiation

Abstract In this study, the low-energy radiation responses of Si, Ge, and Si/Ge superlattice are investigated by an ab initio molecular dynamics method and the origins of their different radiation behaviors are explored. It is found that the radiation resistance of the Ge atoms that are around the i...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Ming Jiang, Haiyan Xiao, Shuming Peng, Guixia Yang, Zijiang Liu, Liang Qiao, Xiaotao Zu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SpringerOpen 2018-05-01
Series:Nanoscale Research Letters
Subjects:
Online Access:http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s11671-018-2547-9
Description
Summary:Abstract In this study, the low-energy radiation responses of Si, Ge, and Si/Ge superlattice are investigated by an ab initio molecular dynamics method and the origins of their different radiation behaviors are explored. It is found that the radiation resistance of the Ge atoms that are around the interface of Si/Ge superlattice is comparable to bulk Ge, whereas the Si atoms around the interface are more difficult to be displaced than the bulk Si, showing enhanced radiation tolerance as compared with the bulk Si. The mechanisms for defect generation in the bulk and superlattice structures show somewhat different character, and the associated defects in the superlattice are more complex. Defect formation and migration calculations show that in the superlattice structure, the point defects are more difficult to form and the vacancies are less mobile. The enhanced radiation tolerance of the Si/Ge superlattice will benefit for its applications as electronic and optoelectronic devices under radiation environment.
ISSN:1931-7573
1556-276X