Surface phonon–polaritons in rectangular quantum wires of polar ternary mixed crystals

In this paper, the dispersion relations of surface phonon–polaritons in freestanding rectangular quantum wire systems of polar ternary mixed crystals are derived. The numerical calculations for AlxGa1−xAs and ZnxCd1−xSe quantum wire systems are performed. The results reveal that the frequencies of surface phonon–polariton modes are sensitive to the geometric structures of the quantum wires, the wave-vectors in z-direction, and the compositions of the ternary mixed crystal materials. The effects of the “two-mode” and “one-mode” behaviors of the ternary mixed crystals on the surface phonon–polariton modes are also discussed.

Graphical abstractFour surface phonon–polariton branches in AlxGa1−xAs and ZnxCd1−xSe RQWs show the frequency non-linearly on the composition and the one- and two-mode behaviors of TMCs.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We study surface phonon–polaritons in ternary mixed crystal (TMC) quantum wires. ► Four surface-polariton branches divided into two pairs of symmetric and anti-symmetric. ► Phonon–polariton properties depend on the geometric structure and TMC composition. ► Two or one mode behavior of phonon–polaritons in TMC quantum wires are seen.