The Physics of Low-dimensional Semiconductors: An Introduction / Edition 1

by John H. Davies

Overview

Low-dimensional systems have revolutionized semiconductor physics and had a tremendous impact on technology. Using simple physical explanations, with reference to examples from actual devices, this book introduces the general principles essential to low-dimensional semiconductors. The author presents a formalism that describes low-dimensional semiconductor systems, studying two key systems in detail: the two-dimensional electron gas, employed in field-effect transistors, and the quantum well, whose optical properties have multiple applications in lasers and other opto-electronic devices. The book will be invaluable to undergraduate and first-year graduate physics or electrical engineering students taking courses in low-dimensional systems or heterostructure device physics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521484916
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	12/13/1997
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	460
Product dimensions:	7.13(w) x 10.00(h) x 1.02(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; Introduction; 1. Foundations; 2. Electrons and phonons in crystals; 3. Heterostructures; 4. Quantum wells and low-dimensional systems; 5. Tunnelling transport; 6. Electric and magnetic fields; 7. Approximate methods; 8. Scattering rates: the Golden Rule; 9. The two-dimensional electron gas; 10. Optical properties of quantum wells; Appendix 1. Table of physical constants; Appendix 2. Properties of important semiconductors; Appendix 3. Properties of GaAs-AlAs alloys at room temperature; Appendix 4. Hermite's equation: harmonic oscillator; Appendix 5. Airy functions: triangular well; Appendix 6. Kramers-Kronig relations and response functions; Bibliography.