Disordered Semiconductors: Physics and Applications

This textbook links characteristic features of atomic and electronic structures of disordered semiconductors to the device design process. It begins with a description of general concepts of disordered semiconductors, their atomic structures, the structure of energy bands, and their defects, as well as their electrical, optical, and photovoltaic properties. Since weak sensitivity to impurities is a distinguishing feature of disordered semiconductors, methods of property control and thin-film preparation methods are the areas of focus. Finally, applications of disordered semiconductors in various devices are considered.

Table of Contents:
Preface Contents Introduction Definition of Disordered State Classification of Non-crystalline Systems Qualitative and Quantitative Characteristics of Glass-Formation Atomic Structure of Disordered Semiconductors Structural Characteristics of Solids Short Range and Medium Range Order Methods of Investigation of Disordered System Structure Simulation of Disordered Material Structure Results of Structural Research of Disordered Semiconductors Electronic Structure and Properties of Disordered Semiconductors Electronic Structure Electrical Properties of Disordered Semiconductors Optical Properties of Disordered Semiconductors Photoelectrical Properties of Disordered Semiconductors Methods for Controlling Properties of Disordered Semiconductors Doping of Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Chemical Modification of Chalcogenide Glassy Semiconductor Films Conductivity Type Inversion in Bulk Glassy Chalcogenide Structural Modification of Disordered Semiconductors Properties Preparation Methods of Disordered Semiconductor Films Technological Distinctions of Chalcogenide Glassy Film Preparation Preparation of Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Films by GlowDischargeDecompositionMethod Preparation of AIV BIV Alloys on the Base of Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Preparation of Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Films by ChemicalVaporDeposition(CVD)Methods Preparation of Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Films by Radio-frequency Sputtering Method Optical Information Storage and Transmission Devices Devices Based on Charge Pattern Recording Devices based on Photo-induced Transformations in Chalcogenide Glasses Photoelectric and Electronic Devices Based on Disordered Semiconductors Photovoltaic Devices Switching and Memory Devices on the Basis of Chalcogenide Alloys Silicon Thin Film Transistors Conclusion References Color Inserts Index

About the Author :
Anatoly Popov is professor and head of the Semiconductor Electronics Department at the Moscow Power Engineering Institute, Russia.

Review :
"Readers of this book are taken on a logical journey beginning with three comprehensive chapters on the fundamental properties of disordered semiconductors, followed by two outlining the methods used to control the properties and fabricate thin films of these materials, and concluding with two chapters describing the current status of their applications. Students and scientists entering or working in the field will find it an exceedingly valuable and useful text." --Prof. E. A. Davis, University of Cambridge, UK "This book provides under a single cover and from a single perspective a description of physics and applications of disordered semiconductors. With complex issues explained using a simple language this book will be very valuable source of information for graduate and postgraduate students in the field of semiconductor physics and devices." --Dr Alex Kolobov, Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Japan "This book comprehends a wide group of questions: atomic and electron structure, electrical, optical, photoelectric properties and application of disordered semiconductors, first of all the hydrogenated amorphous silicon, its alloys and chalcogenide glassy semiconductors. Important peculiarity of the book is the consideration of the main technologies of both thin films and devices fabrication. The book is interesting to all workers in the field." --Prof. Victor Lyubin, Ben-Gurion University, Israel