Parameterizing DFT+ U corrections for III–V semiconductor alloys

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Authors: Angus Gentles, Mohammad Dehghani, Dominic Waldhör, Pedram Khakbaz, Rainer Minixhofer, Michael Waltl
Cited by: 1
References: 65

Abstract

(InxGa1−x)(As1−ySby) alloys are key materials for short-wave infrared (SWIR) sensors and related optoelectronic devices, where accurate band structure parameters are required for predictive TCAD simulations. Building on a previously proposed Bayesian Optimization approach for calibrating Hubbard parameters for crystals [Yu et al., njp Comput. Mater. 6, 180 (2020)], we develop a DFT+U framework in which Hubbard-U parameters on the III–V p states are calibrated to experimental alloy bandgaps and hybrid-functional reference band structures using Bayesian optimization. These parameters are then transferred to ternary alloys via a composition-dependent interpolation scheme applied to special quasi-random supercells. Using this calibrated approach, we obtain bandgap bowing parameters and effective masses for the four ternary subsystems of the (InxGa1−x)(As1−ySby) alloy in good agreement with experimental data and empirical bowing models. The same calculations provide the composition dependence of the EL and EX conduction band valleys, yielding a consistent ab initio set of band parameters across the relevant alloy space. These results provide device-ready input for TCAD simulations of SWIR detectors based on (InxGa1−x)(As1−ySby) and more generally illustrate how Bayesian calibration of DFT+U can be used to parameterize band structures in complex III–V alloys.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Semiconductor Quantum Structures and Devices Advanced Semiconductor Detectors and Materials Heusler alloys: electronic and magnetic properties

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of Applied Physics
Publisher
AIP Publishing
Volume
139
Issue
21
Publication date
5 June 2026
Language
EN