GaN_semiconductors.pptVIP

Gallium Nitride Lisa Reiner April 20, 2005 MSE 630 Overview Semiconductor Materials Motivation for Interest in GaN Physical Properties Applications RD (Companies Universities) Methods for Processing Summary Semiconductor Materials Motivation General Electric, Philips and Sylvania have spent years trying to develop a pure white LED to replace conventional lighting sources (incandescent, halogen and fluorescent). LEDs are smaller, longer lasting less expensive light sources. White light (achromatic) requires a combination of (complementary monochromatic) colors. Laser diodes What can lasers do? Almost all current optical disc systems (CD and DVD) use GaAs lasers that emit light in the red or infrared part of the spectrum. CDs that hold ≈ 700MB of data storage, use a 780nm wavelength laser. DVDs with a 4.7GB capacity use a laser with a wavelength of ≈ 640nm. Blue lasers with a wavelength ≈ 405 nm (technology from Blu-ray and Advanced Optical Disc) can store between 23G bytes and 36G bytes per disc. Short Wavelength can write huge amounts of data. Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (LASER) Diagnose cancer - ORNL has developed a blue laser-based technique for locating tumors in the intestinal tract by threading an endoscope into the patients stomach or colon and shining a blue light. Cancerous and precancerous cells fluoresce differently in this light than do healthy cells, making them easier to spot. Detect chemical and biological weapons - Blue lasers cause certain otherwise invisible chemical and biological agents to fluoresce. Build better printers - Blue laser printers will have at least twice the resolution of todays best models. Medicine/Dentistry - Surgeons use lasers as scalpels. Lasers are also used to pulverize gallstones and clear clogged arteries. Ophthalmologists use them to repair damaged retinas and blood vessels in the eye. Dentists use lasers to drill teeth and harden fillings. Military - Laser targeting guides many of