Defects in Semiconductors

Defects in semiconductors have sustained the most active frontier in solid state science for the past twenty years. Of primary interest is the role of defects in device processing and function. However, this research has unlocked key insights into the fundamental nature of the covalent bond in a semiinfinite system. 

The frontiers of activity in semiconductor systems will be presented through three case histories: 1) recombination enhanced defect reactions and semiconductor laser reliability, 2) oxygen precipitation and silicon wafer processing and 3) dislocation motion and semiconductor processing. 

Each case history will emphasize the discovery of new concepts and the application of each concept to a wide variety of problems. The talk will conclude with an outline of current issues in defect phenomena which pose fundamental limitations to the use and processing of semiconductor materials.