Si/Ge Superlattices for Optical Applications: Possibilities, Problems, and Prospects

Abstract

ABSTRACTSi/Ge superlattices offer the possibility to study the influence of various effects on the electronic band structure. Strain, quantization, zone folding, and wave vector mixing effects are expected to create novel optical properties in these Si-based multilayer structures. New optical transitions were observed by various experimental methods like photoluminescence and modulation spectro-scopy. In this article we will review the present state of knowledge of the optical properties of short period strained layer Si/Ge superlattices and discuss the problems and prospects for optical applications.