Synopses & Reviews
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.
Synopsis
Beginning graduate introduction to low-dimensional systems and their applications.
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.