Localization-delocalization transition of electrons at the percolation threshold of semiconductor GaAs1−xNxalloys: The appearance of a mobility edge

Abstract

Electrons in semiconductor alloys have generally been described in terms of Bloch states that evolve from constructive interference of electron waves scattering from perfectly periodic potentials, despite the loss of structural periodicity that occurs on alloying. Using the semiconductor alloy GaAs${}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}$N${}_{x}$ as a prototype, we demonstrate a localized to delocalized transition of the electronic states at a percolation threshold, the emergence of a mobility edge, and the onset of an abrupt perturbation to the host GaAs electronic structure, shedding light on the evolution of electronic structure in these abnormal alloys.