Compound Semiconductor Device Physics

This book provides one of the most rigorous treatments of compound semiconductor device physics yet published. A complete understanding of modern devices requires a working knowledge of low-dimensional physics, the use of statistical methods, and the use of one-, two-, and three-dimensional analytical and numerical analysis techniques. With its systematic and detailed**discussion of these topics, this book is ideal for both the researcher and the student. Although the emphasis of this text is on compound semiconductor devices, many of the principles discussed will also be useful to those interested in silicon devices. Each chapter ends with exercises that have been designed to reinforce concepts, to complement arguments or derivations, and to emphasize the nature of approximations by critically evaluating realistic conditions. One of the most rigorous treatments of compound semiconductor device physics yet published**Essential reading for a complete understanding of modern devices**Includes chapter-ending exercises to facilitate understanding

This textbook gives a complete and fundamental introduction to the properties of III-V compound semiconductor devices, highlighting the theoretical and practical aspects of their device physics. Beginning with an introduction to the basics of semiconductor physics, it presents an overview of the physics and preparation of compound semiconductor materials, as well as a detailed look at the electrical and optical properties of compound semiconductor heterostructures. The book concludes with chapters dedicated to a number of heterostructure electronic and photonic devices, including the high-electron-mobility transistor, the heterojunction bipolar transistor, lasers, unipolar photonic devices, and integrated optoelectronic devices. Featuring chapter-end problems, suggested references for further reading, as well as clear, didactic schematics accompanied by six information-rich appendices, this textbook is ideal for graduate students in the areas of semiconductor physics or electrical engineering. In addition, up-to-date results from published research make this textbook especially well-suited as a self-study and reference guide for engineers and researchers in related industries.

This book provides an overview of compound semiconductor materials and their technology. After presenting a theoretical background, it describes the relevant material preparation technologies for bulk and thin-layer epitaxial growth. It then briefly discusses the electrical, optical, and structural properties of semiconductors, complemented by a description of the most popular characterization tools, before more complex hetero- and low-dimensional structures are discussed. A special chapter is devoted to GaN and related materials, owing to their huge importance in modern optoelectronic and electronic devices, on the one hand, and their particular properties compared to other compound semiconductors, on the other. In the last part of the book, the physics and functionality of optoelectronic and electronic device structures (LEDs, laser diodes, solar cells, field-effect and heterojunction bipolar transistors) are discussed on the basis of the specific properties of compound semiconductors presented in the preceding chapters of the book. Compound semiconductors form the back-bone of all opto-electronic and electronic devices besides the classical Si electronics. Currently the most important field is solid state lighting with highly efficient LEDs emitting visible light. Also laser diodes of all wavelength ranges between mid-infrared and near ultraviolet have been the enabler for a huge number of unprecedented applications like CDs and DVDs for entertainment and data storage, not to speak about the internet, which would be impossible without optical data communications with infrared laser diodes as key elements. This book provides a concise overview over this class of materials, including the most important technological aspects for their fabrication and characterisation, also covering the most relevant devices based on compound semiconductors. It presents therefore an excellent introduction into this subject not only for students, but also for engineers and scientist who intend to put their focus on this field of science.

Compound semiconductor devices form the foundation of solid-state microwave and optoelectronic technologies used in many modern communication systems. In common with their low frequency counterparts, these devices are often represented using equivalent circuit models, but it is often necessary to resort to physical models in order to gain insight into the detailed operation of compound semiconductor devices. Many of the earliest physical models were indeed developed to understand the 'unusual' phenomena which occur at high frequencies. Such was the case with the Gunn and IMPATI diodes, which led to an increased interest in using numerical simulation methods. Contemporary devices often have feature sizes so small that they no longer operate within the familiar traditional framework, and hot electron or even quantum mechanical models are required. The need for accurate and efficient models suitable for computer aided design has increased with the demand for a wider range of integrated devices for operation at microwave, millimetre and optical frequencies. The apparent complexity of equivalent circuit and physics-based models distinguishes high frequency devices from their low frequency counterparts . . Over the past twenty years a wide range of modelling techniques have emerged suitable for describing the operation of compound semiconductor devices. This book brings together for the first time the most popular techniques in everyday use by engineers and scientists. The book specifically addresses the requirements and techniques suitable for modelling GaAs, InP. ternary and quaternary semiconductor devices found in modern technology.

The application of the 111-V compound semiconductors to device fabrica tion has grown considerably in the last few years. This process has been stimulated, in part, by the advancement in the understanding of the interface physics and chemistry of the III-V's. The literature on this subject is spread over the last 15 years and appears in many journals and conference proceedings. Understanding this literature requires consider able effort by the seasoned researcher, and even more for those starting out in the field or by engineers and scientists who wish to apply this knowledge to the fabrication of devices. The purpose of this book is to bring together much of the fundamental and practical knowledge on the physics and chemistry of the 111-V compounds with metals and dielectrics. The authors of this book have endeavored to provide concise overviews of these areas with many tahles ancI grarhs whic. h c. omr>are and summarize the literature. In this way, the book serves as both an insightful treatise on III-V interfaces and a handy reference to the literature. The selection of authors was mandated by the desire to include both fundamental and practical approaches, covering device and material aspects of the interfaces. All of the authors are recognized experts on III-V interfaces and each has worked for many years in his subject area. This experience is projected in the breadth of understanding in each chapter.

Compound Semiconductor Devices provides a comprehensive insight into today ́s standard technologies, covering the vast range of semiconductor products and their possible applications. The materials covered runs from the basics of conventional semiconductor technology through standard,power and opto semiconductors, to highly complex memories and microcontrollers and the special devices and modules for smartcards, automotive electronics, consumer electronics and telecommunications. Some chapters are devoted to the production of semiconductor components and their use in electronic systems as well as to quality management. The book offers students and users a unique overview of technology, architecture and areas of application of semiconductor products.

Compound semiconductor devices form the foundation of solid-state microwave and optoelectronic technologies used in many modern communication systems. In common with their low frequency counterparts, these devices are often represented using equivalent circuit models, but it is often necessary to resort to physical models in order to gain insight into the detailed operation of compound semiconductor devices. Many of the earliest physical models were indeed developed to understand the 'unusual' phenomena which occur at high frequencies. Such was the case with the Gunn and IMPATI diodes, which led to an increased interest in using numerical simulation methods. Contemporary devices often have feature sizes so small that they no longer operate within the familiar traditional framework, and hot electron or even quantum mechanical models are required. The need for accurate and efficient models suitable for computer aided design has increased with the demand for a wider range of integrated devices for operation at microwave, millimetre and optical frequencies. The apparent complexity of equivalent circuit and physics-based models distinguishes high frequency devices from their low frequency counterparts . . Over the past twenty years a wide range of modelling techniques have emerged suitable for describing the operation of compound semiconductor devices. This book brings together for the first time the most popular techniques in everyday use by engineers and scientists. The book specifically addresses the requirements and techniques suitable for modelling GaAs, InP. ternary and quaternary semiconductor devices found in modern technology.

Providing an important link between the theoretical knowledge in the field of non-linier physics and practical application problems in microelectronics, the purpose of the book is popularization of the physical approach for reliability assurance. Another unique aspect of the book is the coverage given to the role of local structural defects, their mathematical description, and their impact on the reliability of the semiconductor devices.