Molecular semiconductor multilayer structures

Abstract

Semiconductor quantum wells and superlattice structures have provided many unique properties which cannot be realized using bulk semiconductor materials. Many novel device structures have been developed based on semiconductor quantum well structures, such as semiconductor lasers and photodetectors. The fabrication of these structures is limited to a narrow range of materials which are lattice matched with the exception of stained-layer superlattices. Lattice mismatch induces strain at the semiconductor heterointerface and can create crystal defects such as dislocations which ultimately degrade device performance. On the other hand, molecules in organic semiconductors are held together by relatively weak Van der Waals forces. Therefore, it is possible to fabricate high quality molecular semiconductor multilayer structures where the strain at the heterointerface is small. Hence, a wide range of materials can be utilized for the fabrication of molecular semiconductor superlattice structures.