Semiconductor Luminescence

Abstract

We now turn away from the transmission medium — the optical fibre and towards the sources used in communications — the semiconductor laser and LED. Thus, instead of discussing rays or modes of dielectric waveguides, we must now think in terms of the concepts of solid state physics, namely energy bands, semiconductor device principles, materials growth, etc. This chapter therefore serves to introduce some key features of the subject which are essential to the discussion of LED’s and lasers in subsequent chapters. Whilst a passing familiarity with the main ideas of solid state physics would be an advantage, the treatment here is kept fairly self-contained and at not too deep (or rigorous) a level.