Growth model for atomic ordering: the case for quadruple-period ordering in GaAsSb alloys

Quadruple-period ordering in GaAsSb alloys is studied both theoretically and experimentally. A growth model is proposed to account for the observed three-dimensional (3D) ordered structure. The model is qualitatively different from the widely accepted surface reconstruction and dimerization-induced ordering models that strictly speaking explain only the in-plane 2D patterns. Here, we show that the already ordered substrate will affect the reconstruction of the growth front with respect to the substrate to ensure a correct stacking of the individual 2D ordered layers into the observed 3D lattice.