Optical Properties 1

Abstract

This chapter deals with fundamental theory of optical properties in semiconductors. First reflection and absorption coefficients are derived by using Maxwell’s equations. Then quantum mechanical derivations of direct and indirect optical transition rates are given in addition to the classification of the joint density of states. Optical transitions associated with electron–hole pair, excitons, are also discussed. Dielectric functions are discussed in connection with the critical points of semiconductors. Also we will discuss stress effect on the optical transition such as piezobirefringence and stress-induced change in the energy band structure. The results are used in Chap. 9 to evaluate the strain effect in quantum well lasers.