Acoustic waves in (001) InN-AlN and InN-GaN superlattices

We study the acoustic waves of (001) InN-AlN and InN-GaN superlattices. We obtain the dispersion curves for various symmetric and general orientations of the wavevector parallel to the interfaces. The results reveal the impact of the elastic anisotropy due to the zinc-blende structure of the constituent materials. It is found that for certain material parameters and orientations, the dispersion curves exhibit wide gaps with potential for the existence of surface localized waves.

Research highlights► Acoustic waves of InN-AlN and InN-GaN (001) superlattices. ► Elastic anisotropy is included. ► Wide gaps are found for a wide range of propagation directions, frequency and parallel wave-vector values.