This volume describes the underlying concepts in materials science and device physics within the context of narrow gap semiconductors, in addition to their relationship to opto-electronic devices. Topics include impurities and defects, recombination mechanisms and surface and interface properties.

Narrow gap semiconductors obey the general rules of semiconductor science, but often exhibit extreme features of these rules because of the same properties that produce their narrow gaps. Consequently these materials provide sensitive tests of theory, and the opportunity for the design of innovative devices. Narrow gap semiconductors are the most important materials for the preparation of advanced modern infrared systems.

Device Physics of Narrow Gap Semiconductors, a forthcoming second book, offers descriptions of the materials science and device physics of these unique materials. Topics covered include impurities and defects, recombination mechanisms, surface and interface properties, and the properties of low dimensional systems for infrared applications. This book will help readers to understand not only semiconductor physics and materials science, but also how they relate to advanced opto-electronic devices. The final chapter describes the device physics of photoconductive detectors, photovoltaic infrared detectors, super lattices and quantum wells, infrared lasers, and single photon infrared detectors.

Combines experimental results with theoretical analysis for an understanding of narrow band-gap systems and devices Provides clear descriptions of the physics and materials science of advanced opto-electronic devices Establishes a bridge between fundamental principles and advanced IR technology Covers HgCdTe photoconductive detectors, photovoltaic infrared detectors, low-dimensional semiconductor infrared lasers, and single-photon infrared detectors

Inhalt
Impurities and Defects.- Recombination.- Two-Dimensional Surface Electron Gas.- Superlattice and Quantum Well.- Devices Physics.