GaAs quantum dots in a GaP nanowire photodetector

We report the structural, optical and electrical properties of GaAs quantum dots (QDs) embedded along GaP nanowires. The GaP nanowires contained p–i–n junctions with 15 consecutively grown GaAs QDs within the intrinsic region. The nanowires were grown by molecular beam epitaxy using the self-assisted vapor–liquid–solid process. The crystal structure of the NWs alternated between twinned ZB and WZ as the composition along the NW alternated between the GaP barriers and the GaAs QDs, respectively, leading to a polytypic structure with a periodic modulation of the NW sidewall facets. Photodetector devices containing QDs showed absorption beyond the bandgap of GaP in comparison to nanowires without QDs. Voltage-dependent measurements suggested a field emission process of carriers from the QDs. (paper)