Synchrotron Radiation Studies of Ternary Semimagnetic Semiconductors

Abstract

AbstractA number of spectroscopic techniques that exploit synchrotron radiation are providing new insight into the properties of ternary semimagnetic semiconducting alloys. Photon energy-dependent photoemission methods are being used to characterize the electronic structure and the elemental and orbital contributions to the valence states. Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure Spectroscopy (EXAFS) is providing a detailed understanding of the atomic structure and of the local phenomena that make the virtual crystal approximation inadequate. The new experimental information is stimulating novel theoretical work on the electronic structure, lattice stability and thermodynamics of these materials. We will review the results of a number of recent experimental studies and emphasize systematic trends and promising new areas of research.