“This book presents a comprehensive overview of compound semiconductor physics and technology, with a strong emphasis on optoelectronic devices. It excellently describes the fundamentals of solid-state physics as applied to compound semiconductors. The concepts of device applications, as well as experimental techniques and fabrication, are explained and discussed in depth. The theoretical description is further complemented by appropriate experimental examples and applications. Not only the book is addressed to graduate students, but it is an ideal reference for the professionals working in this area.”

Dr. Matthias Peter - Principal Key Expert Epitaxy, Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbH, Germany

“This is a well-organized, concise introduction to the field of compound semiconductors and their applications in optoelectronic and electronic devices. The fundamental science and technology necessary to understand research in this field is covered in easy-to-read text: short paragraphs, bullet lists of key points, copious figures, and short chapters. There is a logical flow from basic properties through process technologies to device applications. The emphasis is on III–V compound semiconductors, particularly gallium arsenide, indium phosphide, and gallium nitride, with the occasional comparison to silicon. Scholz’s presentation is fresh with its inclusion of quantum effects, low dimensional systems, and group III nitrides and their distinctive properties. This could be used as a textbook, as questions are included at the end of each chapter. There are a few questions that require quantitative numerical solutions, but the vast majority are more qualitative, requiring only descriptive answers. This book presents a good overview of compound semiconductors, their properties, synthesis, characterization, and device applications. It is appropriate for upper-level undergraduates or graduate students.”

MRS Bulletin

• Provides a good overview of the whole topic, from the basic physics and technology to device applications


• Focuses on promoting a physical and technological understanding


• Is suitable as a graduate-level textbook or for training courses on compound semiconductors, a perfect starting point for any young scientist getting in touch with this important class of materials

This book provides an overview of compound semiconductor materials and their technology. After presenting a theoretical background, it describes the relevant material preparation technologies for bulk and thin-layer epitaxial growth. It then briefly discusses the electrical, optical, and structural properties of semiconductors, complemented by a description of the most popular characterization tools, before more complex hetero- and low-dimensional structures are covered. The book contains a special chapter on GaN and related materials, underlining their great importance in modern optoelectronic and electronic devices, on the one hand, and their particular properties compared with other compound semiconductors, on the other. The last part of the book discusses the physics and functionality of optoelectronic and electronic device structures (LEDs, laser diodes, solar cells, and field-effect and heterojunction bipolar transistors) on the basis of the specific properties of the compound semiconductors presented in the book.

About the Author

Ferdinand Scholz is full professor at the Institute of Optoelectronics, Ulm University, Germany, since 2003 and headed the epitaxial group of the Physical Institute, University of Stuttgart, Germany, until 2003. He graduated with a diploma in physics in 1981 and obtained a PhD in metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy of GaInAs-InP quantum well structures in 1986 from the University of Stuttgart. His current research focuses on the growth and investigations of group III nitrides, quantum well structures, and nanorods and their applications in device structures. Prof. Scholz has authored or co-authored more than 400 scientific papers in refereed journals. He is a member of the Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kristallwachstum und Kristallzüchtung.

Advanced undergraduate- and graduate-level students in semiconductor physics and technology, particularly in optoelectronics; researchers or engineers just entering this field