Energies of Fröhlich surface optical phonon in Q1D nanostructures: Curvature and dielectric effects

Abstract

Energy of Fröhlich surface optical (SO) phonon in quasi-one-dimensional (Q1D) nanostructures remains doubtful in terms of Raman and photoluminescence experimental data. Based on a notion of the curvature proposed, the confusion is clearly clarified. It is found that the energy interval of SO modes previously accepted in the quantum system could be further divided into two sub-intervals based on the positive and negative curvature of nanowire (NW) and nanohole (NH). Furthermore, the cutoff energy and width of energy sub-intervals in NW and NH can be modulated by altering the dielectric constant of the surrounding medium. Moreover, the physical mechanism of curvature and dielectric effects on the energies of SO phonon in NW and NH are comprehended reasonably from a perspective of electrostatic potential distribution. The calculated energies of SO modes in low-energy sub-interval are fully consistent with the Raman and PL experimental results for AlN, GaN, and InN NWs. It is predicted that SO modes of high-energy sub-interval could be observed in the NH structure. The current theoretical scheme and numerical results not only extend and deepen the knowledge of the energy of the SO phonon but also can be used in the design and development of optical and optoelectronic devices based on SO modes of Q1D nanostructures.