Electron states at semiconductor interfaces: the intrinsic and extrinsic charge neutrality levels

Abstract

A discussion is presented on the semiconductor interface barrier formation. Schottky barriers and heterojunction band offsets are analysed by means of the intrinsic and extrinsic charge neutrality levels. These levels are shown to be controlled by the interface geometry and its local chemistry. The chemical properties and the charge neutrality levels of different Schottky barriers are presented. Heterojunction band offsets are also analysed and are shown to depend on the electronegativity of the metal intralayers deposited at the interface: more electronegative metal atoms tend to reduce the hetero junction band offsets.