Electron-Lattice Interactions in Semiconductors

This book presents theoretical treatments on various optically induced electro-atomic processes in semiconductors from a unified point of view. Treating the system as a macroscopic association of electrons and ions, the basic properties of nonmetallic materials are reexamined, such as the electron band theory and lattice vibrations. The electron-lattice interaction is then introduced as a dynamical response of condensed matter when it is electronically or optically excited. With the aid of proper configuration coordinate diagrams, various phenomena are precisely examined, including carrier scattering, polaron formation, lattice relaxation, Stokes shift and phonon side band in optical spectra, intrinsic and extrinsic self-trapping, and symmetry breaking structural changes. The book provides a deeper understanding of the underlying physics and excellent insight for experimental as well as theoretical researchers in materials science and engineering to develop their further research.