Coherent phonons in Si SiGe superlattices

Abstract

There are several classes of coherent phonons whose generation mechanisms are completely different: impulsive stimulated Raman scattering, Brillouin oscillations, and coherent longitudinal-acoustic-phonon Bragg reflection. All of these are investigated in Si SiGe superlattices using a picosecond ultrasonics technique at room temperature. Bragg reflection for a single vibrational mode is related to gaps in the phonon-dispersion relation at the center and the boundary of the folded Brillouin zone. The two lowest minigaps are observed at 283 and 527 GHz. Theoretical calculations of phonon-dispersion relation and phonon reflection rate are given to explain experimental results. © 2007 The American Physical Society.