Electroluminescence in Unipolar-Doped In0.53Ga0.47As/AlAs Resonant-Tunneling Diodes : A Competition between Interband Tunneling and Impact Ionization

We measure and analyze the light emission from a room-temperature n-type unipolar-doped In0.53Ga0.47As/AlAs double-barrier resonant-tunneling diode (RTD) that occurs just above the In0.53Ga0.47As band edge and peaks around 1631 nm. The emission is attributed to electron-hole recombination emission made possible by holes generated in the high-field region on the collector side of the device by interband tunneling and impact ionization, which contribute comparable hole densities, according to our analysis. Although the external quantum efficiency (EQE) in our experimental configuration is rather low (≈2 × 10−5 at 3.0-V bias), limited by suboptimal output coupling, the internal quantum efficiency (IQE) is much higher (≈6% at 3.0-V bias), as derived from the experimental EQE and a radiometric analysis. To check this value and better understand the transport physics, we also carry out an independent estimate of the IQE using a combined interband-tunneling impact-ionization transport model, which yields an IQE of 10% at 3.0-V bias. The satisfactory agreement of theory with experimental data suggests that a RTD designed for better hole transport and superior optical coupling could become a useful light-emitting device, while retaining the intrinsic functionality of high-speed negative differential resistance, and all without the need for resistive p-type doping.publishedVersionPeer reviewe

Sensing, measuring and modelling the mechanical properties of sandstone

We present a hybrid framework for simulating the strength and dilation characteristics of sandstone. Where possible, the grain-scale properties of sandstone are evaluated experimentally in detail. Also, using photo-stress analysis, we sense the deviator stress (/strain) distribution at the microscale and its components along the orthogonal directions on the surface of a V-notch sandstone sample under mechanical loading. Based on this measurement and applying a grain-scale model, the optical anisotropy index K0 is inferred at the grain scale. This correlated well with the grain contact stiffness ratio K evaluated using ultrasound sensors independently. Thereafter, in addition to other experimentally characterised structural and grain-scale properties of sandstone, K is fed as an input into the discrete element modelling of fracture strength and dilation of the sandstone samples. Physical bulk scale experiments are also conducted to evaluate the load-displacement relation, dilation and bulk fracture strength characteristics of sandstone samples under compression and shear. A good level of agreement is obtained between the results of the simulations and experiments. The current generic framework could be applied to understand the internal and bulk mechanical properties of such complex opaque and heterogeneous materials more realistically in future

Coupled effect of loading rate and notch length on tensile strength of rock

Rock masses naturally contain joints and fractures and the effect of these fractures needs to be carefully investigated to ensure the stability of rock structures. This is particularly the case when dynamic loading effects due to earthquakes or rock blasting are involved. In this study, Brazilian synthetic specimens, made of gypsum with initial notches, were loaded in the mode-I fracture. The specimens were 50 mm in diameter and 10 mm in thickness. The pre-existing notch length in the specimens varied from 10 to 40 mm. The nominal tensile strength of the specimens was numerically evaluated using a bonded particle model (BPM) for the synthetic rock material. The dynamic tests were performed using the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) system which was numerically simulated by the CA3 computer program. CA3 is a computer program for static and dynamic simulation of geomaterials in which a hybrid bonded particle and finite element system can be employed. The rock specimen was represented by the bonded particle model, while the incident and transmission bars in the Hopkinson Pressure Bar system were simulated by the finite element model. The bonded particle system was calibrated to ensure that the elastic properties, uniaxial compressive strength, tensile strength, and fracture toughness of the rock were replicated by the numerical model. The combined effect of loading rate and initial fracture length on the rock tensile strength was investigated. The results, as expected, suggest that the static nominal tensile strength of the specimens was reduced as the notch length increased. Under dynamic loading, the material response is more complicated; depending on the applied stress rate, the tensile strength can decrease, remain constant, or increase as the initial notch length increases. It is shown that the speed of the crack tip opening is responsible for this interesting observation of tensile strength changes under dynamic loading as the notch length varies