Impact of pressure on electronic and mechanical properties of AlAs_1-xP_x ternary alloys

The pressure dependence of mechanical and electrical properties of AlAs_1-xP_x is studied within the pressure range of 0–120 kbar using the empirical pseudopotential method (EPM) with virtual crystal approximation (VCA). There is a good agreement between the estimated data and the available experimental measurements. The electronic band gap of AlAs_1-xP_x under the impact of pressure has been determined. The mechanical stability under the pressures is evaluated by the stability criterion, based on the elastic constants that are determined at various pressures. The values of bulk, shear, and Young’s moduli are determined which rise with the rise in pressure. The computed bulk/shear values indicate that the alloys under investigation are ductile.