Semiconductor lasers are together with the optical fibers important components for high speed communication systems. The radiative recombination in these materials is a first-order transition process as no phonons are involved. A wide range of materials are studied here, the best solution is often specific for a specific semiconductor. The research work here is heavily connected with structural investigations, in order to understand the reactions and the phases produced upon contact formation.
Surfaces become increasingly important in devices, as the dimensions are shrinking.
Basic work on the electronic properties of surfaces is therefore still very important, in order to understand structures and transformations of geometrical as well as electronic properties of surfaces, overlayers and interfaces. Last updated 31 January 2001.