Abstract

The term compound semiconductor encompasses a large number of materials, most of which crystallize in either the zincblende, wurtzite, or rock salt crystal structures. This article focuses primarily on the properties of the most extensively studied Groups III and V and Groups (2, 12) II–VI compound semiconductors. A summary of the physical (mechanical and electrical) properties of these semiconductors, a description of the metal organic chemical vapor deposition process, the physics and applications of electronic and photonic devices, and the fabrication process technology in use to create both electronic and photonic devices and circuits are discussed.