Damage of coherent multilayer structures by injection of dislocations or cracks

Abstract

Experimental evidence indicates that coherent multilayer structures (strained superlattices) can be grown in a damage-free state when the thickness of the layer is less than a critical value. The resistance of such structures to subsequent damage by dislocation or crack injection is examined in the present study. The structures are determined to exhibit damage resistance that decreases as either the layer thickness or the coherency strains increase.