Interruption time effects on InGaAs/InAlAs superlattices of quantum cascade laser structures grown by MOCVD

We report the growth of high quality InGaAs/InAlAs quantum cascade laser (QCL) structure which composed of superlattices (SLs) and the effects of interruption time between each layer of the SL structure. Inserting an interruption delay during the growth dramatically effects the quality of the SL as indicated by crystallinity, interface sharpness and optical properties. The results show that an increase in interruption time up to a certain value makes sharper interfaces and improves optical and structural properties, but, beyond that value, overall quality starts to degrade. The composition and the growth rate of each single thin layer are determined by using high resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) measurements.