Modern Physics for Engineers Lecture slides 13b – Crystals

This lecture part introduces the idea of crystals - materials whose properties are periodic in space - together with key concepts like unit cells and crystal lattices. Example lattices in common electronic and optoelectronic devices, such as "zinc blende" and diamond lattices, are shown. The idea of semiconductor alloys - approximately crystalline materials made out of mixtures of atoms - is introduced because of their practical importance in devices. Crystalline growth is briefly discussed. (slides)