Strained-layer semiconductor research and development at Sandia

Sandia National Laboratories pioneered work in strained-layer superlattice systems for electronics and optoelectronics. Based on that work, it now conducts research and development in compound semiconductor and optoelectronics physics, materials science, and device technology. Although Sandia's research relies heavily on theoretical and experimental solid state physics, this paper will emphasize applications that exploit the properties of strained-layer systems. This research allows the microelectronics and photonics community to use the special properties of strained-layer systems in an engineering, rather than an empirical, manner. The number of electronic and optoelectronic devices that depend on strained-layer systems for their highest performance with device applications indicates their importance. Selected strained-layer structures and devices developed at Sandia will be discussed.