Quantum Theory of Semiconductor Nanowires
Dr. Mei-Yin Chou
School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology
Tuesday - April 17, 2007
3:30pm - 4:30 pm
218 - Natural Science Center
Abstract:
Nanowires are one-dimensional nanostructures with electrical carriers confined in the other two (perpendicular) directions. They exhibit interesting physical properties that are noticeably different from those of quantum dots and the bulk. In particular, semiconducting nanowires have potential applications in many fields such as optoelectronics, photovoltaic cells, and especially device miniaturization. In order to understand the quantum confinement effect, we have performed first-principles calculations of the electronic, vibrational, and optical properties of silicon nanowires. Of particular interest is the enhanced electron-hole Coulomb interaction in this confined geometry that results in an unusually large binding energy (1-1.5 eV) for the excitons, which dominate the optical absorption spectrum.