The elastic constants and related mechanical properties of Al x In1−x P

Abstract

Based on a pseudopotential approach under a modified virtual crystal approximation that includes the alloy disorder effect, the elastic constants and some of their related mechanical properties of Al x In1 − x P ternary semiconducting alloys have been computed. Features such as elastic constants, bulk modulus, shear modulus and Young’s modulus are determined and their composition dependence is examined and discussed. Besides, Pugh’s ratio and Cauchy pressure have been analysed indicating that Al x In1 − x P alloy system behaves in a ductile manner for all compositions x (0≤x≤1). The findings show generally good accord with the experiment. The obtained results are expected to be useful for understanding the elastic properties of Al x In1 − x P and for applications in optoelectronics.