Abstract
The descriptive overview provided in this chapter is a prelude to the mathematical modeling of semiconductor and optical properties that follows in later chapters. Here, we discuss the relevant properties of semiconductor quantum wells from the point of view of applications for semiconductor lasers. First, we introduce the general idea that semiconductor lasers are composed of mixtures of semiconductors designed to select the appropriate lattice constant and bandgap. The physical limits of mixing of different semiconductors are covered. Practical factors that influence the use and fabrication of semiconductors for lasers including factors such as direct and indirect bandgaps, and strain and critical thickness, are discussed.
You can observe a lot by just watching
—Yogi Berra
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Notes
- 1.
However, researchers have demonstrated lasing through Raman scattering on Si. This breakthough may eventually lead to practical laser light sources on Si!
- 2.
S. O. Kasap, Optoelectronics and Photonics: Principles and Practices. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2001.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2014 Springer Science+Business Media New York
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Klotzkin, D.J. (2014). Semiconductors as Laser Material 1: Fundamentals. In: Introduction to Semiconductor Lasers for Optical Communications. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-9341-9_3
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-9341-9_3
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-9340-2
Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-9341-9
eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)