This book is concerned with the dynamic field of semiconductor microstructures and interfaces. Several topics in the fundamental properties of interfaces, superlattices and quantum wells are included, as are papers on growth techniques and applications. The papers deal with the interaction of theory, experiments and applications within the field, and the outstanding contributions are from both the academic and industrial worlds.
Recently there have been major achievements in the study of semiconductor interfaces and microstructures for different materials and structural systems. Progress has been made through various experimental technologies and theoretical methods. This book provides an up-to-date review on these advances and includes the following major subjects: IV-IV, III-V and II-VI semiconductors and metal/semiconductor structures; new developments in growth methods; electric, optical, magnetic and structural characterization and properties; relative theories — electronic transport, phonos and interface modes; devices and applications. These materials are organized into four sections: General, III-V, II-VI and IV-IV, which offer comprehensive information and help readers in following the new developments in the research frontiers of the above fields.
This book surveys semiconductor superlattices, in particular their growth and electronic properties in an applied electric field perpendicular to the layers. The main developments in this field, which were achieved in the last five to seven years, are summarized. The electronic properties include transport through minibands at low electric field strengths, the Wannier-Stark localization and Bloch oscillations at intermediate electric field strengths, resonant tunneling of electrons and holes between different subbands, and the formation of electric field domains for large carrier densities at high electric field strengths.
Superlattice to Nanoelectronics, Second Edition, traces the history of the development of superlattices and quantum wells from their origins in 1969. Topics discussed include the birth of the superlattice; resonant tunneling via man-made quantum well states; optical properties and Raman scattering in man-made quantum systems; dielectric function and doping of a superlattice; and quantum step and activation energy. The book also covers semiconductor atomic superlattice; Si quantum dots fabricated from annealing amorphous silicon; capacitance, dielectric constant, and doping quantum dots; porous silicon; and quantum impedance of electrons. - Written by one of the founders of this field - Delivers over 20% new material, including new research and new technological applications - Provides a basic understanding of the physics involved from first principles, while adding new depth, using basic mathematics and an explanation of the background essentials
This book surveys semiconductor superlattices, in particular their growth and electronic properties in an applied electric field perpendicular to the layers. The main developments in this field, which were achieved in the last five to seven years, are summarized. The electronic properties include transport through minibands at low electric field strengths, the Wannier-Stark localization and Bloch oscillations at intermediate electric field strengths, resonant tunneling of electrons and holes between different subbands, and the formation of electric field domains for large carrier densities at high electric field strengths.
The Winter School held in Les Houches on March 12-21, 1985 was devoted to Semiconductor Heterojunctions and Superlattices, a topic which is recognized as being now one of the most interesting and active fields in semiconductor physics. In fact, following the pioneering work of Esaki and Tsu in 1970, the study of these two-dimensional semiconductor heterostructures has developed rapidly, both from the point of view of basic physics and of applications. For instance, modulation-doped heterojunctions are nowadays currently used to investigate the quantum Hall effect and to make very fast transistors. This book contains the lectures presented at this Winter School, showing in particular that many aspects of semiconductor heterojunctions and super lattices were treated, extending from the fabrication of these two-dimensional systems to their basic properties and applications in micro-and opto-electron ics. Among the subjects which were covered, one can quote as examples: molecular beam epitaxy and metallorganic chemical vapor deposition of semi conductor compounds; band structure of superlattices; properties of elec trons in heterojunctions, including the fractional quantum Hall effect; opti cal properties of two-dimensional heterostructures; quantum well lasers; and two-dimensional electron gas field effect transistors. It is clear that two-dimensional semiconductor systems are raising a great deal of interest in many industrial and university laboratories. From the number of applications which were received and from the reactions of the participants, it can certainly be asserted that this School corresponded to a need and came at the right time.
The trend towards miniaturisation of microelectronic devices and the search for exotic new optoelectronic devices based on multilayers confer a crucial role on semiconductor interfaces. Great advances have recently been achieved in the elaboration of new thin film materials and in the characterization of their interfacial properties, down to the atomic scale, thanks to the development of sophisticated new techniques. This book is a collection of lectures that were given at the International Winter School on Semiconductor Interfaces: Formation and Properties held at the Centre de Physique des Rouches from 24 February to 6 March, 1987. The aim of this Winter School was to present a comprehensive review of this field, in particular of the materials and methods, and to formulate recom mendations for future research. The following topics are treated: (i) Interface formation. The key aspects of molecular beam epitaxy are emphasized, as well as the fabrication of artificially layered structures, strained layer superlattices and the tailoring of abrupt doping profiles. (ii) Fine characterization down to the atomic scale using recently devel oped, powerful techniques such as scanning tunneling microscopy, high reso lution transmission electron microscopy, glancing incidence x-ray diffraction, x-ray standing waves, surface extended x-ray absorption fine structure and surface extended energy-loss fine structure. (iii) Specific physical properties of the interfaces and their prospective applications in devices. We wish to thank warmly all the lecturers and participants, as well as the organizing committee, who made this Winter School a success.
A semiconductor interface is the contact between the semiconductor itself and a metal. The interface is a site of change, and it is imperative to ensure that the semiconducting material is sealed at this point to maintain its reliability. This book examines various aspects of interfaces, showing how they can affect microstructures and devices such as infrared photodetectors (as used in nightsights) and blue diode lasers. It presents various techniques for examining different types of semiconductor material and suggests future potential commercial applications for different semiconductor devices. Written by experts in their fields and focusing on metallic semiconductors (Cadmium Telluride and related compounds), this comprehensive overview of recent developments is an essential reference for those working in the semiconductor industry and provides a concise and comprehensive introduction to those new to the field.
