Optoelectronics ranks one of the highest increasing rates among the different industrial branches. This activity is closely related to devices which are themselves extremely dependent on materials. Indeed, the history of optoelectronic devices has been following closely that of the materials. KLUWER Academic Publishers has thus rightly identified "Materials for Optoelectronics" as a good opportunity for a book in the series entitled "Electronic Materials; Science and Technology." Although a sound background in solid state physics is recommended, the authors have confined their contribution to a graduate student level, and tried to define any concept they use, to render the book as a whole as self-consistent as possible. In the first section the basic aspects are developed. Here, three chapters consider semiconductor materials for optoelectronics under various aspects. Prof. G. E. Stillman begins with an introduction to the field from the point of view of the optoelectronic market. Then he describes how III-V materials, especially the Multi Quantum Structures meet the requirements of optoelectronic functions, including the support of microelectronics for optoelectronic integrated circuits. In chapter 2, Prof."

Materials for Optoelectronics is the first book to offer a complete view of this subject area. It begins by describing the material needs defined by various optoelectronic functions. Basic aspects of the materials' specific properties are presented, including the relevant properties of semiconductors in terms of electron-photon interactions. Since the semiconductors for optoelectronics are generally based on alloys, the thermodynamic properties of interest are developed as well. Next, semiconductors for detection, emission and modulation are detailed. The fabrication of these materials is presented through a comparison and review of the epitaxial techniques. The III-V semiconductors for IR and visible light devices are presented. The II-VI family is also considered, with an emphasis on recent developments for visible light emission. A description of the status of silicon for optoelectronics is given as well. Finally, non-semiconductors for optoelectronics, namely optical fibers for telecommunications, electrooptic materials, and organic materials, are also presented. Materials for Optoelectronics is useful to materials and device engineers interested in increasing their knowledge of the potential and actual properties and uses of various materials. Students will also find this volume useful since it emphasizes the basic properties and needs for optoelectronics.