Quantum ring formation and antimony segregation in GaSb∕GaAs nanostructures

Abstract

GaSb quantum rings in GaAs were studied by cross-sectional scanning tunneling microscopy. The quantum rings have an outer shape of a truncated pyramid with typical lateral extensions between 10 and 30nm and heights between 1 and 3nm, depending on the molecular beam epitaxy growth conditions. A clear central opening of varying diameter and more or less conical shape, filled with GaAs, is characteristic for the GaSb rings. The self-organized formation of quantum rings during the growth and subsequent fast overgrowth of GaSb quantum dots is attributed to a combination of large strain with strong Sb segregation. The latter is enabled by extensive group-V atomic exchange reactions at the GaSb∕GaAs interfaces, which are quantitatively evaluated from the atomically resolved microscopy data.