This applet gives a graphical representation of the crystal structure of the most common single-element and binary semiconductors. It also provides a great deal of information regarding the lattice and electronic properties of the materials.
Resource for crystal properties. Qualitative understanding of diamond and zincblende structures.
Target Student Population:
Upper level undergraduate and graduate solid state, electronic devices course.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Introductory solid state
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
This applet provides an interactive picture of diamond and zincblende structures that allows students to view a simple cubic cell from any perspective. This is an important tool for helping students picture the placement of atoms along various crystallagraphic lines and planes.
A wide range of group IV, III-V, and II-VI semiconductors can be viewed.
An impressive collection of data about each of the materials is given. This includes, for example, density, carrier effective masses, dielectric constant, optical phonon energy, etc.
Concerns:
Because only diamond and zincblende structures are simulated, the graphical view of the lattice is the same for each material. The size of the pictured unit cell does not change for different materials with different lattice constants, although the lattice constant is indicated on the image.
Most of the materials properties data does not include temperatures. For example, the intrinsic resistivity and mean free path are given without the temperature stated.
General Comments on Quality: This is an impressive collection of materials data that will be a useful resource for students and researchers in the field.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Recommended Use(s) for Material: Reference Material
This is a valuable resource for students who need access to the material properties of semiconductors. Students can rotate the crystal image to help them picture the layout of the crystal along various symmetry directions. Instructors can use this as a demonstration to help students picture crystal axes and planes.
Concerns:
None
General Comments on Effectiveness: Because this is essentially reference material, its use as a learning tool will depend on the way it is used.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The operation of this applet is both simple and effective. Users can easily click and drag the crystal structure to change its orientation. The pop-up window that allows users to select a wide range of II-VI, III-V or group IV semiconductors is outstanding.
Concerns:
There is no indication of the crystal axis being viewed, or a way to select high-symmetry directions.
Creative Commons:
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