The Role of Rare Earths in Narrow Energy Gap Semiconductors

Abstract

ABSTRACTNarrow energy band gap semiconductors are potentially useful for various devices, including infrared detectors and diode lasers. Rare earth elements have been introduced into lead chalcogenide semiconductors using the molecular beam epitaxy growth process. Europium and ytterbium increase the energy band gap, and nearly lattice-matched heterojunctions have been grown. In some cases, valence changes in the rare earth element cause doping of the alloy. Some initial investigations of the addition of europium to indium antimonide will also be reported, including the variation of lattice parameter and optical transmission with composition and a negative magnetoresistance effect.