This book takes the reader from the very basics of III-V semiconductors (some preparation in quantum mechanics and electromagnetism is helpful) and shows how seemingly obscure results such as detailed forms of the Hamiltonian, optical transition strengths, and recombination mechanisms follow.

A physics book that covers the optical properties of quantum-confined semiconductor nanostructures from both the theoretical and experimental points of view together with technological applications. Topics to be reviewed include quantum confinement effects in semiconductors, optical adsorption and emission properties of group IV, III-V, II-VI semiconductors, deep-etched and self assembled quantum dots, nanoclusters, and laser applications in optoelectronics.

Semiconductor optoelectronic devices are at the heart of all information generation and processing systems and are likely to be essential components of future optical computers. With more emphasis on optoelectronics and photonics in graduate programmes in physics and engineering, there is aneed for a text providing a basic understanding of the important physical phenomena involved. Such a training is necessary for the design, optimization, and search for new materials, devices, and application areas. This book provides a simple quantum mechanical theory of important optical processes,i.e. band-to-band, intersubband, and excitonic absorption and recombination in bulk, quantum wells, wires, dots, superlattices, and strained layers including electro-optic effects. The classical theory of absorption, quantization of radiation, and band picture based on k.p perturbation has beenincluded to provide the necessary background. Prerequisites for the book are a knowledge of quantum mechanics and solid state theory. Problems have been set at the end of each chapter, some of which may guide the reader to study processes not covered in the book. The application areas of thephenomena are also indicated.

Optical Properties of Solids covers the important concepts of intrinsic optical properties and photoelectric emission. The book starts by providing an introduction to the fundamental optical spectra of solids. The text then discusses Maxwell's equations and the dielectric function; absorption and dispersion; and the theory of free-electron metals. The quantum mechanical theory of direct and indirect transitions between bands; the applications of dispersion relations; and the derivation of an expression for the dielectric function in the self-consistent field approximation are also encompassed. The book further tackles current-current correlations; the fluctuation-dissipation theorem; and the effect of surface plasmons on optical properties and photoemission. People involved in the study of the optical properties of solids will find the book invaluable.

All recent developments of nitrides and of their technology are gathered here in a single book, with chapters written by world leaders in the field.