Blue Semiconductor Lasers[蓝色半导体激光器](PPT-43).pptVIP

Blue Semiconductor Lasers Leo J. Schowalter Physics, Applied Physics Astronomy Department Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Topics Why the Interest? What is a semiconductor? Metals, insulators and semiconductors How big a band gap energy? How does a semiconductor laser work? Other Applications for Wide band gaps What is the Future? Why the Interest? Importance of new semiconductor materials and devices for modern civilization Impact The Market for GaN Devices Laser Diode Market What is a semiconductor? Metals Many free electrons not tied up in chemical bonds Insulators All electrons (in intrinsic material) tied up in chemical bonds Crystal (Perfect) Crystal (Excited) Crystal (Excited) Band Gap Band Gap Band Gap Band Gap Crystal (Doped n-type) Crystal (Doped p-type) Crystal (Doped p-type) Doped Semiconductors Put them together? p-n junction p-n junction What happens if a bias is applied? Biased junction Biased junction How does a semiconductor laser work? Absorption and Emission Stimulated vs. Spontaneous Emission We can now derive the ratio of the emission rate versus the absorption rate using the equilibrium concentrations of photons and excited atoms: Laser needs a Population Inversion Biased junction History of Lasers First operating Laser in 1960 (Maser in 1958) Simulated emission concept from Einstein in 1905 Townes (1964) and Schawlow (1981) First semiconductor injection Laser in 1962 First was Robert Hall (GE) but many competing groups Year before he had argued it was impossible Nichia Laser Diode Substrate Comparison 15 mm Diameter AlN Boule How information is stored on a DVD disc Other Applications for Wide band gaps High Power devices Large band gap allows semiconductor to be used at high voltages Generally larger band gap means stronger bonds so material can withstand higher currents and temperatures High Temperature devices Much smaller effect of thermal excitation of carriers Tougher material Conclusions Very intense and fast moving field Physi