Layer Electron Density Research Articles

Reply to comment by Lei et al. on “A new aspect of ionospheric E region electron density morphology”

[1] Since the FORMOSAT‐3/COSMIC satellites were launched in April 2006, ionospheric electron density profiles have been retrieved from the excess phase of the GPS signal by using the radio occultation technique and can be accessed from the Web site http://www.cosmic.ucar.edu/. On the basis of these electron density profiles and the use of data quality control criteria developed by Yang et al. [2009], Chu et al. [2009] investigated E region electron density morphology and showed that the general properties of the COSMIC‐ retrieved E region electron density are in good agreement with the predictions of the Chapman layer theory that was developed in accordance with photochemical process and controlled by solar zenith angle. Nevertheless, Chu et al. [2009] found existences of salient enhancements in the noontime E region electron density not only at the geomagnetic equator but also in the geomagnetic latitude regions ±15°−35°, which cannot be explained by the Chapman layer theory. In addition, they also provided compelling evidence to show the presence of longitudinal wave number 3 and 4 structures of the equatorial electron density in a height range of 100–200 km, which is in excellent agreement with longitudinal structures of equatorial electrojet intensity derived from equatorial magnetic field data obtained by the Orsted, CHAMP, and SAC‐C satellites during the years 1999–2006. [2] On the basis of the simulation result obtained by Yue et al. [2010], Lei et al. [2010] question the validity of the E region electron density retrieved by the GPS radio occultation technique. They argue that because of the presence of the ionospheric electron density gradient in the horizontal direction that violates the spherical symmetry assumption of the Abel transform for inverting ionospheric electron density profile from calibrated total electron content along the GPS raypath, the COSMIC‐measured E region electron density enhancements in midlatitude regions were caused by the retrieval error of the GPS radio occultation process. From Figure 1 of Lei et al. [2010] (identical to Figure 2 of Yue et al. [2010]), the simulation‐retrieved E region electron densities around 100 km in equinox season are approximately 50– 100% and 150–200% greater than the “true” model values at the geomagnetic equator and in geomagnetic latitude regions ±30°−50°, respectively. In addition, the former are about 150–200% smaller than the latter in geomagnetic latitude regions ±10°−30°. If the simulation‐retrieved results obtained by Yue et al. [2010] were true and able to be representative of the general GPS occultation‐retrieved results, the morphologies of the COSMIC‐measured E region electron density should be in accord with those of the simulation results. Namely, the E region electron density retrieved by COSMIC satellites should be much greater (smaller) than true measurement made by the ground‐based ionosonde in geomagnetic latitude regions ±30°–50° (±10°–30°). In order to validate the simulation‐retrieved results, we compare peak values of E layer electron density NmE between COSMIC retrieval and global ionosonde measurement in the different latitudinal regions for July 2006 to July 2009. The COSMIC data were selected for comparison if the separation between COSMIC occultation point and ionosonde station is 10 min in time and 2.5° in space. Figure 1 presents an example of latitudinal variation in histograms of percent errors of NmE between COSMIC retrieval and ionosonde measurement for spring (March–May) 2007–2009, in which the percent error (PE) is defined by

Possible relations between meteors, enhanced electron density layers, and sporadic sodium layers

In this paper, we studied the possible relations between incoming meteors, sporadic E (Es) layers, and sporadic (or sudden) sodium atom layers (SSLs) using the data from the FORMOSAT‐3/COSMIC constellation, a meteor radar (Wuhan, 31°N, 114°E), and a sodium fluorescent lidar (Hefei, 31.8°N, 117.3°E). From a statistical point of view, a seasonal dependence of SSL correlates well with the annual variation of Es and is also consistent with seasonal meteor deposition except for February and March. It suggests that a “meteor‐Es‐SSL” chain could be reasonable if the recombination process were taken into consideration. Detailed study on the relationship between electron density profiles provided by the COSMIC radio occultation and the observations of SSLs by the University of Science and Technology of China via lidar illustrates that the appearance of Es accompanying SSL (i.e., 56.3%) is three times greater than that in the “normal” sodium layer. It also indicates that tides play an important role in causing the lower SSLs, which might be able to carry the upper dense electrons and ions in the Es layer formed by wind shear to the lower altitudes through downward phase propagations.

The seasonal and solar cycle variations of electron density gradient scale length, vertical drift and layer height during magnetically quiet days: Implications for Spread F over Trivandrum, India

Abstract A study has been carried out on the behaviour of electron density gradient scale length, L, vertical drift and layer height, around post sunset hours, during the magnetically quiet days of summer, winter and equinox seasons of solar maximum (2002) and minimum years (1995), using ionosonde data of Trivandrum (8.5°N, 76.5°E, dip = 0.5°N) in the Indian longitude sector. The results indicate a clear seasonal and solar cycle variation in all the three parameters. Further, the seasonal variation of equatorial Spread F (ESF) during the above period is examined in terms of the relative roles of L, the vertical drift and layer height (of the F layer) in the triggering of the collisional Rayleigh-Taylor instability. The results, show for the first time, that L also plays an important role, in controlling the quiet time seasonal and solar cycle variability of ESF; whereas in earlier studies this parameter had been taken to be constant. The detailed results are presented and discussed.

A study on the low‐latitude daytime E region plasma irregularities using coordinated VHF radar, rocket‐borne, and ionosonde observations

In this paper we study the off‐electrojet low‐latitude daytime E region plasma irregularities using first multi‐instrument observations in India made during July 2004 by the MST radar from Gadanki (13.5°N, 79.2°E, magnetic latitude 6.4°N), Langmuir probe on board the RH‐300 Mk II rocket, and ionosonde from Sriharikota (13.6°N, 80.2°E, magnetic latitude 6.4°N). Radar echoes were confined to altitudes below 105 km and were observed in the form of a descending echoing layer with the descent rate of 1 km/h. Virtual height of the E layer, as observed by ionosonde, shows identical descending behavior. A detailed analysis based on the radar and ionosonde observations shows that the radar echoes are related to the range spread in the ionogram. Rocket observations made on 23 July 2004 revealed weak plasma irregularities with scale sizes more than 100 m and no noticeable irregularity at shorter scales. The spectral slope of the irregularities observed by the rocket probe is found to be −4 for scales in between 1 km and 100 m. During the rocket launch, radar did not detect any echo conforming that the small‐scale irregularities were not present. Examination of concurrent observations of neutral wind made by TIMED Doppler interferometry suggests that zonal wind plays a crucial role in forming electron density layers, which become unstable via the gradient drift instability with background electric field or/and zonal neutral wind generating low‐latitude E region plasma irregularities.

A sporadic layer in the Venus lower ionosphere of meteoric origin

The Venus Express Radio Science (VeRa) experiment aboard Venus Express has detected, by means of radio occultation, distinct, low‐lying layers of electron density below the base (115 km altitude) of the ionosphere of Venus. A plausible origin of these lowest layers is ionization by the influx of meteoroids into the atmosphere. The layers appeared only occasionally during the 2006 and 2007 Venus Express occultation seasons, could be identified only on the dayside and seem to be geographically localized as they usually occur in either the northern or southern hemisphere of the same orbit; they are detected at all latitudes, but only at solar zenith angles between 55° and 90°. Typical peak plasma densities of 1010 m−3 are reached between 110 and 120 km altitude. Peak meteor layer electron densities increase with decreasing solar zenith angle. Layer shapes are symmetric with respect to peak altitude. The present observational statistics and lack of dedicated models prevents definite statements to be made on the origin of the source meteoroids.

Campaign Investigation of Ionospheric Plasma Irregularities in Sporadic E Region Using FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC Satellite and Chung-Li 30 MHz Coherent Radar

In this article, we present an electron density profile retrieved from total electron density estimated from the difference in phase path excess between GPS frequencies L1 and L2 measured by the FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC satellite, in which the radio occultation inversion technique is employed for retrieval. Except for a regular F layer peak located at a height of about 290 km and a minor peak centered at a height of 140 km, a pronounced sporadic E layer was observed at a height of about 105 km. This intense electron density layer with thickness of about 10 km has very sharp boundaries on the top and bottom sides with scale lengths of -22 and 13 km, respectively. At the time when COSMIC GPS radio occultation took place in the vicinity of Taiwan, the Chung-Li 30 MHz coherent radar detected strong backscatter from 5-meter plasma irregularities. The peak radar backscatter is situated at a height of about 110 km in the topside of the Es layer with a very steep electron density gradient. Interferometry measurement made by the four separate and independent receiving channels of the Chung-Li 30 MHz radar indicates that the configuration of the large scale plasma structure constituted by 5-meter scale field-aligned irregularities is patch-like, and a 2-minute oscillation in zonal displacement of the plasma structure was found. From the temporal displacement of the echo patterns from the plasma irregularities in the bottom side of the layer, the plasma structure in the bottom side of the Es layer was found to move westward at a trace velocity of about 6.2 m s^(-1). The exceedingly small drift velocity combined with the relatively large scale length of the electron density gradient seem to suggest that the 5-meter plasma irregularities are very unlikely generated through the non-linear cascade process of the large plasma structure at kilometer scale induced by gradient drift instability. Moreover, in light of the fact that both the observed drift velocity (less than 15 m s^(-1)) of the kilometer-meter scale plasma wave and the measured Doppler velocity (about 50 m s^(-1)) of the 5-m plasma irregularities are much smaller than the 280 m s^(-1) that is required to directly excite plasma waves through gradient drift instability, it suggests that the 5-m plasma irregularities observed by the Chung-Li 30 MHz radar are very unlikely the result of direct excitation through gradient drift instability.

Investigation of interface properties of sputter deposited TiN/CrN superlattices by low angle x-ray reflectivity

Approximately 1.8 µm thick nanolayered multilayer coatings of TiN/CrN (also known as superlattices) were deposited on silicon (1 0 0) substrates at different modulation wavelengths (4.6–12.8 nm), substrate temperatures (50–400 °C) and substrate bias voltages (−50 to −200 V) using a reactive direct current magnetron sputtering system. The x-ray reflectivity (XRR) technique was employed to determine various properties of the multilayers such as interface roughness, surface roughness, electron density, critical angle and individual layer thicknesses. The modulation wavelengths of the TiN/CrN superlattice coatings were calculated using a modified Bragg's law. Furthermore, the experimental XRR patterns were simulated using theoretically generated patterns and a good fit was obtained for a three layer model, i.e. (1) top surface roughness layer, (2) TiN/CrN multilayer coating (approximately 1.8 µm) and (3) Ti interlayer (∼0.5 µm) at the film–substrate interface. For the superlattice coatings prepared at a modulation wavelength of 9.7 nm, a substrate bias of −200 V and a substrate temperature of 400 °C the XRR patterns showed Bragg reflections up to 5th order, indicating well-defined periodicity of the constituent layers and relatively sharp interfaces. The simulation showed that the superlattice coatings prepared under the above conditions exhibited low surface and interface roughnesses. We also present the effect of substrate temperature and substrate bias, which are critical parameters for controlling the superlattice properties, onto the various interface properties of TiN/CrN superlattices.

Different long-term trends of the oxygen red 630.0 nm line nightglow intensity as the result of lowering the ionosphere F2 layer

Abstract. Long-term observations of total nightglow intensity of the atomic oxygen red 630.0 nm line at Abastumani (41.75° N, 42.82° E) in 1957–1993 and measurements of the ionosphere F2 layer parameters from the Tbilisi ionosphere station (41.65° N, 44.75° E) in 1963–1986 have been analyzed. It is shown that a decrease in the long-term trend of the mean annual red 630.0 nm line intensity from the pre-midnight value (+0.770±1.045 R/year) to its minimum negative value (−1.080±0.670 R/year) at the midnight/after midnight is a possible result of the observed lowering of the peak height of the ionosphere F2 layer electron density hmF2 (−0.455±0.343 km/year). A theoretical simulation is carried out using a simple Chapman-type layer (damping in time) for the height distribution of the F2 layer electron density. The estimated values of the lowering in the hmF2, the increase in the red line intensity at pre-midnight and its decrease at midnight/after midnight are close to their observational ones, when a negative trend in the total neutral density of the upper atmosphere and an increase in the mean northward wind (or its possible consequence – a decrease in the southward one) are assumed.

Quantification of organoclay dispersion and lamellar morphology in poly(propylene)–clay nanocomposites with small angle X-ray scattering

Intensity profiles of small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) curves were analyzed to simultaneously gain quantitative information on nanoclay dispersion as well as lamellar ordering in polypropylene–clay nanocomposites. Different types of PP nanocomposites prepared with PP homopolymer (HPP), random propylene–ethylene copolymer (RCP) and a high impact polypropylene–ethylene propylene rubber (ICP) were analyzed. Various one-dimensional models for stacked structures were applied on Lorentz corrected SAXS spectra to derive long period, thicknesses of alternating high and low electron density layers and their distributions, and the number of stacks for both nanoclay and PP lamellae. We applied a mixed thickness distribution model comprising combined Gaussian and exponential for a simple stack of finite thickness, which was found to explain the experimental data better for both nanoclay tactoids and lamellar stacks, compared to simple Gaussian and exponential thickness distributions. Long period X and number of stacks N were derived as important parameters signifying changes in levels of nanoclay exfoliation in PP. Among the three types of polypropylenes studied, better nanoclay exfoliation was obtained for the high impact ICP grade compared to HPP and RCP. Complete exfoliation of nanoclay was achieved in ICP matrix, employing a masterbatch processing route. Moreover, role of nanoclay as a γ nucleating agent was evident from small and wide angle X-ray analyses, and was seen strongly in RCP. Changes in lamellar structure of PP as a result of nanoclay incorporation, double population consisting of both α and γ polytypes in the nanocomposites from that of a primarily α population in neat polymer matrices, were also analyzed in detail with the mixed thickness distribution model, thereby demonstrating its usefulness.

Reproducibility in X-ray reflectometry: results from the first world-wide round-robin experiment

X-ray reflectometry (XRR) is a well established technique to evaluate quantitatively electron density, thickness and roughness of thin layers. In this paper, results of the first world-wide XRR round-robin experiment, involving 20 laboratories, are presented and discussed. The round-robin experiment was performed within the framework of the VAMAS Project `X-ray reflectivity measurements for evaluation of thin films and multilayers', the aim of which is to produce a `good practice' manual for XRR. The reproducibility of measurements obtained using different equipment has been investigated. The influence of the fitting of the experimental data was shown to be non-negligible compared with the experimental factors. The dynamic intensity range proves to be an important parameter for obtaining a good quality measurement. A simpler test sample which does not develop a surface oxide layer over time is now the subject of a follow-up study.

FSCB, a Novel Protein Kinase A-phosphorylated Calcium-binding Protein, Is a CABYR-binding Partner Involved in Late Steps of Fibrous Sheath Biogenesis

We report characterization of a novel testis- and sperm-specific protein, FSCB (fibrous sheath CABYR binding), that is expressed post-meiotically and localized in mouse sperm flagella. FSCB was identified as a binding partner of CABYR, a calcium-binding protein that is tyrosine-phosphorylated during capacitation. Orthologous genes of FSCB are present in other mammals, including rat and human, and conserved motifs in FSCB include PXXP, proline-rich and extensin-like regions. FSCB is phosphorylated by protein kinase A as shown by in vitro phosphorylation assay and also by determining phosphorylation sites in native FSCB from mouse sperm. Calcium overlay assay showed that FSCB is a calcium-binding protein from sperm. FSCB is a post meiotic protein first expressed at step 11 of mouse spermatogenesis in the elongating spermatids, and it subsequently incorporates into the flagellar principal piece of the sperm. Ultrastructurally, FSCB localized to a cortical layer of intermediate electron density at the surface of the ribs and longitudinal columns of the fibrous sheath. Due to its temporal appearance during spermiogenesis and location at the cortex of the fibrous sheath, FSCB is postulated to be involved in the later stages of fibrous sheath assembly.

Visualization of micromorphology of leaf epicuticular waxes of the rubber tree Ficus elastica by electron microscopy

Ultrastructural aspects of leaf epicuticular waxes were investigated in Ficus elastica by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Glossy leaves of the rubber tree were collected and subjected to different regimes of specimen preparation for surface observations. F. elastica leaves were hypostomatic and stomata were surrounded with a cuticular thickening that formed a rim. The most prominent epicuticular wax structures of F. elastica leaves included granules and platelets. Without fixation and metal coating, epicuticular wax structures could be discerned on the leaf surface by low-vacuum (ca. 7 Pa) scanning electron microscopy. In terms of delineation and retention of the structures, the combination of vapor fixation by glutaraldehyde and osmium tetroxide with subsequent gold coating provided the most satisfactory results, as evidenced by high resolution and sharp protrusions of epicuticular waxes. However, erosion of epicuticular wax edges was noted in the immersion fixed leaves, showing less elongated platelets, less distinct wax edges, and granule cracking. These results suggest that the vapor fixation procedure for demonstrating three-dimensional epicuticular wax structures would facilitate characterization of diverse types of waxes. Instances were noted where epicuticular waxes grew over neighboring epidermal ridges and occluded stomata. In cross sections, epicuticular waxes were observed above the cuticle proper and ranged approximately from 100 nm to 500 nm in thickness. The native leaf epicuticular waxes had many layers of different electron density that were oriented parallel to each other and parallel or perpendicular to the cuticle surface, implying strata of crystal growth. Such retention of native epicuticular wax structures could be achieved through the use of acrylic resin treated with less harsh dehydrants and mild heat polymerization, alleviating wax extraction during specimen preparations.

Variations of topside ionospheric scale heights over Millstone Hill during the 30-day incoherent scatter radar experiment

Abstract. A 30-day incoherent scatter radar (ISR) experiment was conducted at Millstone Hill (288.5° E, 42.6° N) from 4 October to 4 November 2002. The altitude profiles of electron density Ne, ion and electron temperature (Ti and Te), and line-of-sight velocity during this experiment were processed to deduce the topside plasma scale height Hp, vertical scale height VSH, Chapman scale height Hm, ion velocity, and the relative altitude gradient of plasma temperature (dTp/dh)/Tp, as well as the F2 layer electron density (NmF2) and height (hmF2). These data are analyzed to explore the variations of the ionosphere over Millstone Hill under geomagnetically quiet and disturbed conditions. Results show that ionospheric parameters generally follow their median behavior under geomagnetically quiet conditions, while the main feature of the scale heights, as well as other parameters, deviated significantly from their median behaviors under disturbed conditions. The enhanced variability of ionospheric scale heights during the storm-times suggests that the geomagnetic activity has a major impact on the behavior of ionospheric scale heights, as well as the shape of the topside electron density profiles. Over Millstone Hill, the diurnal behaviors of the median VSH and Hm are very similar to each other and are not so tightly correlated with that of the plasma scale height Hp or the plasma temperature. The present study confirms the sensitivity of the ionospheric scale heights over Millstone Hill to thermal structure and dynamics. The values of VSH/Hp tend to decrease as (dTp/dh)/Tp becomes larger or the dynamic processes become enhanced.

The correlation between the electronic structure and elastic properties of nanolaminates

Upon reviewing the correlation between the electronic structure and the elastic properties of nanolaminates based on the previously published ab-initio data, the authors suggest that nanolaminates can be described as interleaved layers of high and low electron density. Mn+1AXn phases (space group P63/mmc) can be characterized by stacking of layers of high (MX) and low (A) electron density. Furthermore, the Mn+1AXn phases possess the bulk-modulus-to-C44 ratio of 1.2–1.7, which in turn gives rise to a combination of ceramic and metallic properties. This design criterion is not only limited to the Mn+1AXn phases, but it can be found in many other phases crystallizing in the same space group (ternary phosphides, Al3BC3, Zr2Al3C5, and W2B5 based phases) and the related space group P6/mmm (Yn+1Co3n+5B2n) as well as in the phases of the cubic \( Pm\overline 3 m \) symmetry (perovskite borides and nitrides).

Low-energy acoustic plasmons at metal surfaces

Nearly two-dimensional (2D) metallic systems formed in charge inversion layers and artificial layered materials permit the existence of low-energy collective excitations, called 2D plasmons, which are not found in a three-dimensional (3D) metal. These excitations have caused considerable interest because their low energy allows them to participate in many dynamical processes involving electrons and phonons, and because they might mediate the formation of Cooper pairs in high-transition-temperature superconductors. Metals often support electronic states that are confined to the surface, forming a nearly 2D electron-density layer. However, it was argued that these systems could not support low-energy collective excitations because they would be screened out by the underlying bulk electrons. Rather, metallic surfaces should support only conventional surface plasmons-higher-energy modes that depend only on the electron density. Surface plasmons have important applications in microscopy and sub-wavelength optics, but have no relevance to the low-energy dynamics. Here we show that, in contrast to expectations, a low-energy collective excitation mode can be found on bare metal surfaces. The mode has an acoustic (linear) dispersion, different to the dependence of a 2D plasmon, and was observed on Be(0001) using angle-resolved electron energy loss spectroscopy. First-principles calculations show that it is caused by the coexistence of a partially occupied quasi-2D surface-state band with the underlying 3D bulk electron continuum and also that the non-local character of the dielectric function prevents it from being screened out by the 3D states. The acoustic plasmon reported here has a very general character and should be present on many metal surfaces. Furthermore, its acoustic dispersion allows the confinement of light on small surface areas and in a broad frequency range, which is relevant for nano-optics and photonics applications.

Imaging coherent scatter radar, incoherent scatter radar, and optical observations of quasiperiodic structures associated with sporadic E layers

During June and July 2002, a 30‐MHz imaging coherent scatter radar was installed and operated on the island of St. Croix, to view the E region ionosphere above Arecibo, Puerto Rico. During the observing period, 10 events with discernible quasiperiodic echo structure were observed with the coherent scatter radar. In six of those events, simultaneous measurements were made with the Arecibo 430‐MHz incoherent scatter radar. The imaging coherent scatter radar allows us to locate and track the echo structures within the volume illuminated by the transmitter, which shows structures that are generally aligned along wavefronts. A slight preference for motion of the structures toward the southwest is evident throughout the period, but the propagation directions and speeds vary greatly. The incoherent scatter radar measurements show a close correspondence between the occurrence of the coherent echoes and the location of the enhanced electron density structures. In particular, the coherent echoes occur when the electron density layers show uplifts.

Phase stability and elastic properties ofTan+1AlCn (n = 1–3) at high pressure and elevated temperature

We have studied the electronic structure ofTan+1AlCn (spacegroup P63/mmc,n = 1–3) under uniform compression from 0 to 60 GPa and at temperatures from0 to 1500 K using ab initio calculations. These phases can be characterizedby alternating layers of high and low electron density and are referred toas nanolaminates. At 0 K we observe similar compressibilities in both thea and c directions for all phases investigated. This is unusual for nanolaminates. Based on thedensity of states analysis, we propose that these similar compressibilities may be caused byan increase in Ta–Al and Ta–Ta bonding strength as well as a stronger long-rangeinteraction between TaC–TaC layers. No evidence of a phase transition is observed asthe pressure is increased to 60 GPa. However, as the temperature is increased toapproximately 1000 K without applying pressure, a first-order phase transition occurs inTa3AlC2. These results are relevant for applications ofTan+1AlCn at elevated temperature and pressure.

Effect of Moon phases in riometer absorption and in the ionospheric and geomagnetic parameters

Variations in the frequency of occurrence of riometer absorption, minimum frequency of reflection of the ionospheric F layer, minimum height, and height of maximum electron density of the ionospheric F layer near the solar minimum have been studied. Application of the superposed epoch technique has detected the Moon phase effect on these ionospheric parameters. This effect was: three events per day in the occurrence of riometer absorption, 0.056 MHz in the minimum frequency of reflection of the F layer, and 2.6 and 6.7 km, in the change of the minimum height of reflection and height of reflection from the region with maximum electron density of the ionospheric F layer, respectively. The lunar tide action changes the ionospheric conductivity and, thus, influences the current systems of the magnetosphere. Through changes of magnetospheric currents, the Moon phase effect is exhibited in the Ap and Dst indices and is 4.3 and 4.25 nT, respectively.

Temperature treatment of semiconducting polymers: An X-ray reflectivity study

The influence of temperature treatment on three types of conjugated polymer thin films, named poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT), polyarylamine (PAA) and octylfluorene–bithiophene copolymer (F8T2) is studied. A detailed knowledge of the film morphology and crystalline structure is important since the performance of organic thin film transistors is extremely sensitive to small changes of morphology and structure. Samples are prepared via a spin-casting process on thermal oxidized silicon wafers. The influence of heat treatment in the range from ambient temperatures to 600 K is studied with specular X-ray reflectivity, X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. The morphological parameters like layer thicknesses, electron densities and roughnesses of the interface and of the surface are calculated from the XRR measurements. The maximum change of layer thickness due to heat treatment is 15% of the initial layer thicknesses. The maximum variation of the mean electron densities are about 20% and the rms surface roughness vary from 2 Å up to 20 Å as a result of annealing. Interface roughness show variation of about 1 Å. Strong variations of the morphological parameters next to phase transition temperatures are observed as well.

Coulomb Damped Relaxation Oscillations in Semiconductor Quantum Dot Lasers

We present a theoretical simulation of the turn-on dynamics of InAs/GaAs quantum dot semiconductor lasers driven by electrical current pulses. Our approach goes beyond standard phenomenological rate equations. It contains microscopically calculated Coulomb scattering rates, which describe Auger transitions between quantum dots and the wetting layer. In agreement with the experimental results, we predict a strong damping of relaxation oscillations on a nanosecond time scale. We find a complex dependence of the Coulomb scattering rates on the wetting layer electron and hole densities, and we show their crucial importance for the understanding of the turn-on dynamics of quantum dot lasers.