The nonlinear behavior of nitrogen and the passivation effect of hydrogen in dilute nitrides open the way to the manufacture of a new class of nanostructured devices with in-plane variation of the optical band gap. This book addresses the modifications of the electronic structure and of the optical and structural properties induced in these technologically important semiconductors by atomic hydrogen irradiation. The book comprises discussions on experimental results from several techniques, enriched by state-of-the-art theoretical studies aimed at clarifying the origin of hydrogenation effects that lead to the discovery of specific nitrogen–hydrogen complexes. It presents techniques, such as infrared absorption spectroscopy, synchrotron radiation, and nuclear reaction analysis, which have indeed been crucial for addressing the physical origin of hydrogenation effects and their role in fine structural characterization. The book is not a simple assembly of the contributions of different groups on the subject; it rather tells the complete story of the amazing effects of hydrogen irradiation from the first observations to the discovery of their origin and to potential technology transfer. The primary scope of the book is to guide PhD students and new scientists into the field and to inspire similar analysis approaches in other fields.

The papers included in this issue of ECS Transactions were originally presented in the joint symposium ¿State-of-the-Art Program on Compound Semiconductors 51 (SOTAPOCS 51) and Wide-Bandgap Semiconductor Materials and Devices 10¿, held during the 216th meeting of The Electrochemical Society, in Vienna, Austria from October 4 to 9, 2009.

This book reviews the current status of research and development in dilute III-V nitrides. It covers major developments in this new class of materials within 24 chapters from prominent research groups. The book integrates materials science and applications in optics and electronics in a unique way. It is valuable both as a reference work for researchers and as a study text for graduate students.

Lifetime spectroscopy is one of the most sensitive diagnostic tools for the identification and analysis of impurities in semiconductors. Since it is based on the recombination process, it provides insight into precisely those defects that are relevant to semiconductor devices such as solar cells. This book introduces a transparent modeling procedure that allows a detailed theoretical evaluation of the spectroscopic potential of the different lifetime spectroscopic techniques. The various theoretical predictions are verified experimentally with the context of a comprehensive study on different metal impurities. The quality and consistency of the spectroscopic results, as explained here, confirms the excellent performance of lifetime spectroscopy.

The utilization of sun light is one of the hottest topics in sustainable energy research. To efficiently convert sun power into a reliable energy – electricity – for consumption and storage, silicon and its derivatives have been widely studied and applied in solar cell systems. This handbook covers the photovoltaics of silicon materials and devices, providing a comprehensive summary of the state of the art of photovoltaic silicon sciences and technologies. This work is divided into various areas including but not limited to fundamental principles, design methodologies, wafering techniques/fabrications, characterizations, applications, current research trends and challenges. It offers the most updated and self-explanatory reference to all levels of students and acts as a quick reference to the experts from the fields of chemistry, material science, physics, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, solar energy, etc..

Practical Materials Characterization covers the most common materials analysis techniques in a single volume. It stands as a quick reference for experienced users, as a learning tool for students, and as a guide for the understanding of typical data interpretation for anyone looking at results from a range of analytical techniques. The book includes analytical methods covering microstructural, surface, morphological, and optical characterization of materials with emphasis on microscopic structural, electronic, biological, and mechanical properties. Many examples in this volume cover cutting-edge technologies such as nanomaterials and life sciences.