Semiconductor heterostructure

A structure formed by joining layers of different semiconductor materials. Differences in their band structures create interfaces that can confine or redirect charge carriers.

Band alignment: The relative positions of the electronic energy bands in two materials at an interface. Its offsets determine whether electrons and holes remain in one layer or cross the interface.
Semiconductor: A material whose electrical conductivity lies between that of a conductor and an insulator and can be controlled. Heterostructures combine semiconductor materials with different electronic properties.
High-electron-mobility transistor: A field-effect transistor that uses a heterojunction to create a high-mobility electron channel. Its channel forms at an interface while dopants can remain in a separate layer.
Herbert Kroemer: A German-American physicist who developed foundational ideas for semiconductor heterostructure devices. His 1957 proposal described using heterostructures to improve transistor and optoelectronic performance.
p–n junction: An interface between p-type and n-type semiconductor regions that forms a rectifying electrical junction. Unlike a heterostructure, it can join regions of one semiconductor with different doping.
Conduction band: The range of electron energy states above a material's valence band that can carry electrical current. Its discontinuity between layers can create a potential well for electrons.
Homoepitaxy: Epitaxial growth in which a crystalline layer is deposited on a substrate of the same material. It provides the same-material counterpart to growth across a heterostructure interface.
Quantum cascade laser: A semiconductor laser that emits light through intersubband transitions in a repeated sequence of quantum wells. Its engineered heterostructure supplies the repeated wells and barriers for cascading transitions.
Zhores Alferov: A Soviet and Russian physicist who developed semiconductor heterostructure devices and technology. His work helped turn heterostructure lasers and other devices into practical systems.
Homojunction: A junction between regions of the same semiconductor that differ in doping or electrical properties. It lacks the material-dependent band offsets that distinguish heterostructure interfaces.

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