Mechanical properties of boron arsenide single crystal

Abstract

As the only semiconductor material exhibiting ultrahigh thermal conductivity under ambient conditions, cubic boron arsenide (BAs) is currently attracting great interest. Thanks to the development of high-quality BAs single crystal growth techniques, investigation of its basic physical properties has now become possible. Here, the mechanical properties of BAs single crystals are studied by experimental measurements combined with first-principles calculations. A Vickers hardness of 22 GPa suggests that BAs is a hard material, although not among the hardest. The bulk and Young's moduli are measured to be 142 and 388 GPa, respectively. These important mechanical performance parameters, in conjunction with the unusual high thermal conductivity, show great potential for BAs to serve in next-generation semiconductor applications.