Written for physicists, chemists, and engineers specialising in crystal and film growth, semiconductor electronics, and various applications of thin films, this book reviews promising scientific and engineering trends in thin films and thin-films materials science. The first part discusses the physical characteristics of the processes occurring during the deposition and growth of films, the principal methods of obtaining semiconductor films and of reparing substrate surfaces on which crystalline films are grown, and the main applications of films. The second part contains data on epitaxial interfaces and on ways of reducing transition regions in films and film-type devices, on the processes of crystallization and recrystallization of amorphous films, and on thermodynamic conditions, mechanisms and kinetic parameters of accelerated crystallization.

This is an exciting stage in the development of organic electronics. It is no longer an area of purely academic interest as increasingly real applications are being developed, some of which are beginning to come on-stream. Areas that have already been commercially developed or which are under intensive development include organic light emitting diodes (for flat panel displays and solid state lighting), organic photovoltaic cells, organic thin film transistors (for smart tags and flat panel displays) and sensors. Within the family of organic electronic materials, liquid crystals are relative newcomers. The first electronically conducting liquid crystals were reported in 1988 but already a substantial literature has developed. The advantage of liquid crystalline semiconductors is that they have the easy processability of amorphous and polymeric semiconductors but they usually have higher charge carrier mobilities. Their mobilities do not reach the levels seen in crystalline organics but they circumvent all of the difficult issues of controlling crystal growth and morphology. Liquid crystals self-organise, they can be aligned by fields and surface forces and, because of their fluid nature, defects in liquid crystal structures readily self-heal. With these matters in mind this is an opportune moment to bring together a volume on the subject of ‘Liquid Crystalline Semiconductors’. The field is already too large to cover in a comprehensive manner so the aim has been to bring together contributions from leading researchers which cover the main areas of the chemistry (synthesis and structure/function relationships), physics (charge transport mechanisms and optical properties) and potential applications in photovoltaics, organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) and organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). This book will provide a useful introduction to the field for those in both industry and academia and it is hoped that it will help to stimulate future developments.

Semiconductors are at the heart of modern living. Almost everything we do, be it work, travel, communication, or entertainment, all depend on some feature of semiconductor technology. Comprehensive Semiconductor Science and Technology, Six Volume Set captures the breadth of this important field, and presents it in a single source to the large audience who study, make, and exploit semiconductors. Previous attempts at this achievement have been abbreviated, and have omitted important topics. Written and Edited by a truly international team of experts, this work delivers an objective yet cohesive global review of the semiconductor world. The work is divided into three sections. The first section is concerned with the fundamental physics of semiconductors, showing how the electronic features and the lattice dynamics change drastically when systems vary from bulk to a low-dimensional structure and further to a nanometer size. Throughout this section there is an emphasis on the full understanding of the underlying physics. The second section deals largely with the transformation of the conceptual framework of solid state physics into devices and systems which require the growth of extremely high purity, nearly defect-free bulk and epitaxial materials. The last section is devoted to exploitation of the knowledge described in the previous sections to highlight the spectrum of devices we see all around us. Provides a comprehensive global picture of the semiconductor world Each of the work's three sections presents a complete description of one aspect of the whole Written and Edited by a truly international team of experts

ICSCRM 2001

About the Book: The book has been designed to cover all relevant topics in B.E. (Mechanical/Metallurgy/Material Science/Production Engineering), M.Sc. (Material Science), B.Sc. (Honours), M.Sc. (Physics), M.Sc. (Chemistry), AMIE and Diploma students. Students appearing for GATE, UPSC, NET, SLET and other entrance examinations will also find book quite useful. In Nineteen Chapters, the book deals with atomic structure, the structure of solids; crystal defects; chemical bonding; diffusion in solids; mechanical properties and tests of materials; alloys, phase diagrams and phase transformations; heat treatment; deformation of materials; oxidation and corrosion; electric, magnetic, thermal and optical properties; semiconductors; superconductivity; organic materials; composites; and nanostructured materials. Special features: Fundamental principles and applications are discussed with explanatory diagrams in a clear way. A full coverage of background topics with latest development is provided. Special chapters on Nanostructured materials, Superconductivity, Semiconductors, Polymers, Composites, Organic materials are given . Solved problems, review questions, problems, short-question answers and typical objective type questions along with suggested readings are given with each chapter. Contents: Classification and Selection of Materials Atomic Structure and Electronic Configuration Crystal Geometry, Structure and Defects Bonds in Solids Electron Theory of Metals Photoelectric Effect Diffusion in Solids Mechanical Properties of Materials and Mechanical Tests Alloy Systems, Phase Diagrams and Phase Transformations Heat Treatment Deformation of Materials Oxidation and Corrosion Thermal and Optical Properties of Materials: Thermal Properties; Optical Properties Electrical and Magnetic Properties of Materials Semiconductors Superconductivity and Superconducting Materials Organic Materials: Polymers and Elastomers Composites Nanostructured Materials.

Presents a thorough overview of perovskite research, written by leaders in the field of photovoltaics The use of perovskite-structured materials to produce high-efficiency solar cells is a subject of growing interest for academic researchers and industry professionals alike. Due to their excellent light absorption, longevity, and charge-carrier properties, perovskite solar cells show great promise as a low-cost, industry-scalable alternative to conventional photovoltaic cells. Perovskite Solar Cells: Materials, Processes, and Devices provides an up-to-date overview of the current state of perovskite solar cell research. Addressing the key areas in the rapidly growing field, this comprehensive volume covers novel materials, advanced theory, modelling and simulation, device physics, new processes, and the critical issue of solar cell stability. Contributions by an international panel of researchers highlight both the opportunities and challenges related to perovskite solar cells while offering detailed insights on topics such as the photon recycling processes, interfacial properties, and charge transfer principles of perovskite-based devices. Examines new compositions, hole and electron transport materials, lead-free materials, and 2D and 3D materials Covers interface modelling techniques, methods for modelling in two and three dimensions, and developments beyond Shockley-Queisser Theory Discusses new fabrication processes such as slot-die coating, roll processing, and vacuum sublimation Describes the device physics of perovskite solar cells, including recombination kinetics and optical absorption Explores innovative approaches to increase the light conversion efficiency of photovoltaic cells Perovskite Solar Cells: Materials, Processes, and Devices is essential reading for all those in the photovoltaic community, including materials scientists, surface physicists, surface chemists, solid state physicists, solid state chemists, and electrical engineers.