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Excitons in Low Dimensional Semiconductors: Unraveling the World of Quantum Confined Excitations

Eliot Foster

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Published in Excitons In Low Dimensional Semiconductors: Theory Numerical Methods Applications (Springer In Solid State Sciences 141)

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In the realm of modern materials science, excitons have emerged as a focal point of intense research. These quasiparticles, composed of an electron-hole pair bound together by electrostatic attraction, exhibit unique properties that offer tantalizing prospects for advancing optoelectronics and nanoelectronics. Among the diverse materials that host excitons, low dimensional semiconductors stand out as a particularly fertile playground for exploring their behavior and harnessing their potential.

As the dimensionality of a semiconductor material is reduced, its electronic properties undergo a profound transformation. In bulk semiconductors, electrons move freely throughout the material, forming extended energy states. However, in low dimensional semiconductors, such as quantum wells, quantum wires, and quantum dots, the confinement of electrons and holes within these reduced dimensions gives rise to quantized energy levels. This quantum confinement effect leads to a discrete spectrum of energy states, resulting in a dramatic alteration of the material's optical and electronic properties.

In low dimensional semiconductors, the formation, behavior, and properties of excitons are significantly influenced by the quantum confinement effect. The spatial confinement of charge carriers within these reduced dimensions alters the Coulomb interaction between electrons and holes, leading to modifications in the exciton binding energy, radiative recombination lifetime, and other fundamental characteristics. These changes give rise to unique optical and electronic properties that are not observed in bulk semiconductors.

Excitons in Low Dimensional Semiconductors: Theory Numerical Methods Applications (Springer in Solid State Sciences 141)

Excitons in Low-Dimensional Semiconductors: Theory Numerical Methods Applications (Springer Series in Solid-State Sciences Book 141)

by Stephan Glutsch

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Language	:	English
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One of the most striking features of excitons in low dimensional semiconductors is their enhanced optical properties. The quantum confinement effect results in a redshift of the exciton absorption and emission peaks compared to their bulk counterparts. This shift is attributed to the reduced Coulomb interaction between the electron and hole, which leads to a decrease in the exciton binding energy. Additionally, the discrete energy levels in low dimensional semiconductors give rise to sharp and well-defined optical transitions, resulting in highly efficient light emission.

Beyond their optical properties, excitons in low dimensional semiconductors also exhibit intriguing electronic properties. The reduced dimensionality and quantum confinement effects lead to modifications in the effective mass of excitons, their mobility, and their spin dynamics. These altered electronic properties have significant implications for the transport and manipulation of excitons in optoelectronic and nanoelectronic devices.

The unique properties of excitons in low dimensional semiconductors have paved the way for a wide range of applications in advanced technologies. These materials are being explored for use in high-efficiency light-emitting diodes (LEDs),lasers, solar cells, and other optoelectronic devices. In nanoelectronics, low dimensional semiconductors are being investigated as building blocks for transistors, logic gates, and memory devices. Their potential for enabling miniaturization, improved performance, and reduced power consumption has made them a promising candidate for next-generation electronic systems.

The field of excitons in low dimensional semiconductors is a rapidly evolving area of research. Scientists are actively exploring new materials, device architectures, and applications for these materials. One exciting area of research is the investigation of exciton-polaritons, which are hybrid quasiparticles resulting from the strong coupling between excitons and photons. These exciton-polaritons exhibit unique properties that hold promise for novel optoelectronic and photonic applications.

Excitons in low dimensional semiconductors represent a fascinating chapter in the exploration of quantum phenomena and their potential for technological advancements. Their unique optical and electronic properties, coupled with the ongoing advancements in materials synthesis and device fabrication, make them a promising platform for a wide range of applications in optoelectronics, nanoelectronics, and other cutting-edge technologies. As research continues to uncover the full potential of these materials, we can anticipate even more groundbreaking discoveries and transformative applications in the years to come.

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