Electronic Properties of Alkali Halides

Abstract

In the class of solids which may be referred to as ionic semiconductors, the alkali halides have been investigated more thoroughly than any other group. In this respect they occupy a place similar to Si and Ge in the class of nonpolar semiconductors. The reason for this is twofold: in the first place large single crystals of the alkali halides may be grown with relative ease; second, they have a simple structure. In the present chapter some of the most outstanding electronic properties of these materials will be discussed. This discussion is necessarily very incomplete, and for further details we must refer the reader to the bibliography at the end of this chapter.