3. Semiconductors as Laser Material 1: Fundamentals

The descriptive overview provided in this chapter is a prelude to the mathematical modeling of semiconductor and optical properties that follows in later chapters. Here, we discuss the relevant properties of semiconductor quantum wells from the point of view of applications for semiconductor lasers. First, we introduce the general idea that semiconductor lasers are composed of mixtures of semiconductors designed to select the appropriate lattice constant and bandgap. The physical limits of mixing of different semiconductors are covered. Practical factors that influence the use and fabrication of semiconductors for lasers including factors such as direct and indirect bandgaps, and strain and critical thickness, are discussed.