Observation of persistent photoconductivity in bulk Gallium Arsenide and Gallium Phosphide samples at cryogenic temperatures using the Whispering Gallery mode method

J.G. Hartnett, D. Mouneyrac, J.-M. Le Floch, J. Krupka, M.E. Tobar, D. Cros

Whispering Gallery modes in bulk cylindrical Gallium Arsenide and Gallium Phosphide samples have been examined both in darkness and under white light at cryogenics temperatures < 50 K. In both cases persistent photoconductivity was observed after initially exposing semiconductors to white light from a halogen lamp. Photoconductance decay time constants for GaP and GaAs were determined to be 0.900 +/- 0.081 ns and 1.098 +/- 0.063 ns, respectively, using this method.

Optics (physics.optics); Materials Science (cond-mat.mtrl-sci); Atomic Physics (physics.atom-ph)

Gallium(III) sulfide

Gallium(III) sulfide, often represented by the chemical formula Ga2S3, is a chemical compound composed of gallium (Ga) cations with a +3 oxidation state and sulfide (S^2-) anions. It is a compound with various applications in materials science, electronics, and optoelectronics.

Here are some key features and applications of gallium(III) sulfide:

  1. Semiconductor Material: Gallium(III) sulfide is a semiconductor material with a relatively large bandgap energy. This makes it suitable for certain electronic and optoelectronic applications.
  2. Thin Film Deposition: Gallium(III) sulfide thin films can be deposited onto substrates through various techniques, such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or physical vapor deposition (PVD). These films have applications in electronics and optoelectronics.
  3. Photoconductive Devices: Gallium(III) sulfide can be used in photoconductive devices, which are sensitive to light and can be used in sensors, detectors, and imaging devices.
  4. Optoelectronic Devices: Gallium(III) sulfide is used in the production of optoelectronic devices such as photodetectors and solar cells, particularly for applications that involve near-infrared light detection.
  5. Materials Research: Gallium(III) sulfide is studied for its crystal structure, electronic properties, and potential applications in various fields, including materials science and solid-state physics.
  6. Photovoltaics: Gallium(III) sulfide-based solar cells can be used for converting sunlight into electricity. They are particularly useful for certain applications, especially where near-infrared light absorption is advantageous.
  7. Scintillator Materials: Gallium(III) sulfide can be used as a scintillator material for detecting ionizing radiation and converting it into visible light for detection and analysis.
  8. Luminescent Applications: Gallium(III) sulfide can be used in luminescent materials, including phosphors and other luminescent devices.
  9. Chemical Sensing: Gallium(III) sulfide sensors can be employed in chemical sensing applications, such as detecting specific gases or substances.

Gallium(III) sulfide’s properties and applications are particularly important in electronic and optoelectronic technologies that require semiconductors with specific bandgap properties. Its potential for use in sensors, detectors, and energy conversion technologies makes it a valuable material in various industries.

Gallium(III) oxide

Gallium(III) oxide, often represented by the chemical formula Ga2O3, is a chemical compound composed of gallium (Ga) cations with a +3 oxidation state and oxygen (O) anions. It is a wide bandgap semiconductor material with various applications in electronics, optoelectronics, and materials science.

Here are some key features and applications of gallium(III) oxide:

  1. Semiconductor Material: Gallium(III) oxide is a wide bandgap semiconductor, which means it has a large energy gap between its valence and conduction bands. This property makes it suitable for high-temperature and high-power applications.
  2. Power Electronics: Gallium(III) oxide is of interest for power electronics due to its wide bandgap and high breakdown voltage. It can be used in high-voltage and high-temperature devices, such as power switches and rectifiers.
  3. Ultraviolet Photodetectors: Gallium(III) oxide-based photodetectors are used for detecting ultraviolet light. They find applications in flame detection, environmental monitoring, and UV sensing.
  4. Gas Sensing: Gallium(III) oxide sensors can be used to detect gases, such as hydrogen and carbon monoxide. These sensors find applications in industrial safety and environmental monitoring.
  5. Dielectric Materials: Gallium(III) oxide is used as a dielectric material in capacitors and other electronic devices.
  6. Transparent Conductive Films: Gallium(III) oxide thin films can be used as transparent conductive materials in applications such as touchscreens and displays.
  7. Materials Research: Gallium(III) oxide is studied for its crystal structure, electronic properties, and potential applications in various fields, including materials science and solid-state physics.
  8. Optoelectronics: Gallium(III) oxide can be used in optoelectronic devices such as LEDs, photodetectors, and solar cells.

Gallium(III) oxide’s properties and applications are particularly important in modern technologies that require high-performance semiconductors, especially in high-power and high-temperature environments. Its ability to handle extreme conditions makes it valuable for various industrial and electronic applications.

Gallium(III) fluoride

Gallium(III) fluoride, often represented by the chemical formula GaF3, is a chemical compound composed of gallium (Ga) cations with a +3 oxidation state and fluoride (F-) anions. It is a compound with various applications in materials science, optics, and electronics.

Here are some key features and applications of gallium(III) fluoride:

  1. Materials Research: Gallium(III) fluoride is studied for its crystal structure, electronic properties, and potential applications in various fields, including materials science and solid-state physics.
  2. Optical Coatings: Gallium(III) fluoride is used as a component in optical coatings due to its transparency in the ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. It’s used to enhance the performance of lenses, mirrors, and other optical components.
  3. Laser Gain Medium: Gallium(III) fluoride can be used as a laser gain medium in certain laser systems. It’s doped with rare earth ions to create laser sources emitting light in the infrared region.
  4. Scintillators: Gallium(III) fluoride is employed in the production of scintillator materials used in radiation detection and imaging applications. Scintillators convert incoming ionizing radiation into visible light, which can be detected and analyzed.
  5. Catalysis: Gallium(III) fluoride can act as a Lewis acid catalyst in certain chemical reactions, aiding in the formation of new compounds.
  6. Solid-State Chemistry: Gallium(III) fluoride contributes to the study of solid-state chemistry and the behavior of compounds with metal cations and fluoride ions.
  7. Phosphors: In some applications, gallium(III) fluoride can be used as a phosphor material for luminescent displays and lighting technologies.
  8. Electronics: Gallium(III) fluoride might have potential applications in the development of advanced electronics and semiconductor devices.

Gallium(II) sulfide

Gallium(II) sulfide, often represented by the chemical formula GaS, is a chemical compound composed of gallium (Ga) cations with a +2 oxidation state and sulfide (S^2-) anions. However, it’s important to note that gallium generally exists in compounds with a +3 oxidation state rather than +2. In most chemical reactions and compounds, gallium exhibits a +3 oxidation state.

Gallium(II) sulfide is not a commonly studied or well-known compound due to the general preference of gallium to exhibit a +3 oxidation state. In fact, gallium(II) sulfide is not as stable or as prevalent as other gallium compounds, such as gallium(III) sulfide (Ga2S3), which is more commonly encountered.

Due to the rarity and limited study of gallium(II) sulfide, specific properties, applications, and research involving this compound might be limited. If you’re interested in gallium compounds, it’s more common to focus on gallium compounds with the +3 oxidation state, which have a wider range of applications and research associated with them.

Gallium trichloride

Gallium trichloride, often represented by the chemical formula GaCl3, is a chemical compound composed of gallium (Ga) cations with a +3 oxidation state and chloride (Cl-) anions. It is a compound with various applications in chemistry and materials science.

Here are some key features and applications of gallium trichloride:

  1. Catalysis: Gallium trichloride can serve as a Lewis acid catalyst in various chemical reactions, including Friedel-Crafts reactions and other organic transformations. It’s used to facilitate reactions by accepting electron pairs from other molecules.
  2. Semiconductor and Electronics Manufacturing: Gallium trichloride is used in the production of gallium compounds used in semiconductors and electronic devices. Gallium compounds are used for growing epitaxial layers of semiconductors and for doping semiconductor materials.
  3. Materials Research: Gallium trichloride is used in materials research to study its behavior in various chemical and physical processes, including the growth of thin films and the development of novel materials.
  4. Hydrochlorination Reactions: Gallium trichloride can be used in hydrochlorination reactions, where hydrogen chloride gas reacts with organic compounds to produce valuable products.
  5. Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): Gallium trichloride is used in certain CVD processes to deposit thin films of gallium compounds onto substrates. This is important in the production of semiconductors and thin-film materials.
  6. Precursor in Gallium Chemistry: Gallium trichloride serves as a precursor in the synthesis of various gallium compounds and materials used in different fields.
  7. Lubricant Additive: In some industrial applications, gallium trichloride is used as an additive in lubricants to improve lubricating properties.

It’s important to note that gallium trichloride is sensitive to moisture and air, which can lead to hydrolysis and the formation of corrosive hydrogen chloride gas. Proper handling and storage protocols are essential when working with gallium trichloride.

Gallium phosphide

Gallium phosphide, often represented by the chemical formula GaP, is a compound composed of gallium (Ga) and phosphorus (P) elements. It is a semiconductor material with applications in electronics, optoelectronics, and photovoltaics due to its unique properties.

Here are some key features and applications of gallium phosphide:

  1. Semiconductor Material: Gallium phosphide is a direct bandgap semiconductor, which means that it can efficiently emit light when electrons and holes recombine. Its bandgap energy falls in the visible light range.
  2. Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs): Gallium phosphide-based LEDs are used in various applications, including indicator lights, displays, and some lighting solutions. Due to its direct bandgap, GaP can emit visible light efficiently.
  3. Solar Cells: Gallium phosphide solar cells are used in certain photovoltaic applications, especially in space-based solar panels due to their ability to convert sunlight into electricity efficiently.
  4. Photodetectors: Gallium phosphide-based photodetectors are used for sensing light signals in various applications, including optical communication and imaging systems.
  5. Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors (HBTs): Gallium phosphide is used in the fabrication of heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs), which are high-frequency electronic devices used in telecommunications and microwave applications.
  6. Integrated Circuits (ICs): Gallium phosphide ICs are used in electronic devices requiring high-speed and high-frequency operation, such as in wireless communication systems.
  7. Optoelectronic Devices: Gallium phosphide is used to manufacture optoelectronic devices such as LEDs, photodetectors, and laser diodes for applications in communications and display technologies.
  8. Materials Research: Researchers study gallium phosphide to explore its electronic properties, develop new device structures, and investigate novel applications in solid-state physics and materials science.

Gallium phosphide’s combination of direct bandgap, efficient light emission, and compatibility with electronic and photonic device technologies makes it a valuable material for various applications in electronics and photonics.

Gallium nitride

Gallium nitride, often represented by the chemical formula GaN, is a wide bandgap semiconductor material composed of gallium (Ga) and nitrogen (N) elements. It has gained significant attention and applications in various fields due to its exceptional electronic and optoelectronic properties.

Here are some key features and applications of gallium nitride:

  1. Semiconductor Material: Gallium nitride is a wide bandgap semiconductor with excellent electrical and thermal properties. Its wide bandgap enables efficient operation at high temperatures and high power levels.
  2. Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs): Gallium nitride-based LEDs are widely used in lighting applications due to their high efficiency and ability to emit light across a broad spectrum, including visible and ultraviolet wavelengths. They have revolutionized energy-efficient lighting technologies.
  3. Laser Diodes: Gallium nitride-based laser diodes are used in various applications, including data storage, displays, and medical equipment. They can emit light in the blue and ultraviolet parts of the spectrum.
  4. Power Electronics: Gallium nitride is used in power electronics, such as high-frequency switching devices and power amplifiers. It offers advantages in terms of efficiency and power handling capabilities.
  5. Radio-Frequency (RF) Devices: Gallium nitride is employed in RF devices like high-electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) and monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs), enabling high-frequency operation with low losses.
  6. Microwave and Radar Systems: Gallium nitride-based devices are utilized in radar systems, satellite communication, and wireless communication due to their ability to operate at high frequencies and high power levels.
  7. Ultraviolet Photodetectors: Gallium nitride-based photodetectors are used for ultraviolet light sensing applications, such as flame detection, environmental monitoring, and sterilization.
  8. Power Conversion: Gallium nitride is being explored for applications in power conversion, including inverters and converters for renewable energy sources.
  9. Materials Research: Researchers continue to study gallium nitride to optimize its growth methods, explore new device structures, and understand its unique properties.

Gallium nitride’s properties and applications are particularly important in modern technologies that require high-efficiency lighting, fast communication, and high-power electronics. Its ability to operate in harsh environments and deliver outstanding performance has made it a significant material in various industries.

Gallium arsenide

Gallium arsenide, often represented by the chemical formula GaAs, is a binary compound composed of gallium (Ga) and arsenic (As) elements. It is a semiconductor material with a wide range of applications in electronics and optoelectronics due to its excellent electronic properties.

Here are some key features and applications of gallium arsenide:

  1. Semiconductor Material: Gallium arsenide is a direct bandgap semiconductor, which means that it can efficiently emit light when electrons and holes recombine. This property makes it suitable for optoelectronic applications.
  2. High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs): Gallium arsenide is used in the fabrication of high-electron mobility transistors (HEMTs). HEMTs are high-performance electronic devices that can operate at high frequencies, making them valuable in microwave and radio-frequency applications.
  3. Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs): Gallium arsenide-based LEDs are used in various applications, including indicator lights, displays, and even some high-efficiency lighting solutions. Gallium arsenide’s direct bandgap allows it to emit light efficiently.
  4. Solar Cells: Gallium arsenide solar cells are employed in certain high-efficiency photovoltaic systems, such as those used in space applications. They are particularly useful in situations where space is limited and efficiency is critical.
  5. Photodetectors: Gallium arsenide is used in the manufacture of photodetectors that can convert incoming light signals into electrical signals. These are used in various optical communication and sensing systems.
  6. Integrated Circuits (ICs): Gallium arsenide ICs are used in high-speed electronic devices, especially those requiring fast switching speeds or high-frequency operation. They find applications in telecommunications and radar systems.
  7. Optoelectronic Devices: Gallium arsenide is a key material in the production of optoelectronic devices, such as laser diodes, photodetectors, and modulators for optical communication networks.
  8. Materials Research: Researchers study gallium arsenide to explore its electronic properties, develop new device structures, and investigate novel applications in solid-state physics and materials science.

Gallium arsenide’s unique combination of electronic and optoelectronic properties makes it a versatile material in various technological fields, from telecommunications to energy conversion. Its performance characteristics have led to its adoption in high-performance electronic devices.

Gallium antimonide

Gallium antimonide, often represented by the chemical formula GaSb, is a binary compound composed of gallium (Ga) and antimony (Sb) elements. It is a semiconductor material with important applications in electronics and optoelectronics due to its unique electrical properties.

Here are some key features and applications of gallium antimonide:

  1. Semiconductor Material: Gallium antimonide is a semiconductor with an energy bandgap that falls in the mid-infrared range. This makes it suitable for applications involving infrared detection, imaging, and emission.
  2. Infrared Detectors: Gallium antimonide is commonly used in the production of infrared detectors, sensors, and thermal imaging devices. Its bandgap allows it to absorb and emit infrared radiation, making it useful for night vision and other thermal imaging applications.
  3. High-Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs): Gallium antimonide is used in the fabrication of high-electron mobility transistors (HEMTs). HEMTs are high-performance electronic devices that can operate at high frequencies, making them suitable for applications in microwave and radio-frequency communications.
  4. Solar Cells: Gallium antimonide-based solar cells are employed in space applications due to their high efficiency and radiation resistance. These solar cells are often used in satellites and other spacecraft.
  5. Thermophotovoltaics: Gallium antimonide can be used in thermophotovoltaic devices, which convert heat into electricity using infrared radiation. These devices have potential applications in waste heat recovery and energy conversion.
  6. Laser Diodes: Gallium antimonide-based laser diodes are used in telecommunications and optical data transmission. They can emit light in the infrared region, which is important for fiber-optic communication.
  7. Optoelectronic Devices: Gallium antimonide is used in a variety of optoelectronic devices, including light-emitting diodes (LEDs), photodetectors, and laser diodes, particularly for applications that require operation in the infrared region.
  8. Materials Research: Researchers study gallium antimonide and related compounds to understand their electronic properties and explore novel applications in solid-state physics and materials science.

Gallium antimonide’s properties and applications stem from its semiconducting nature and its ability to manipulate infrared radiation. Its wide range of uses makes it a valuable material in various fields, including electronics, photonics, and energy conversion.

Gadolinium(III) sulfate

Gadolinium(III) sulfate, often represented by the chemical formula Gd2(SO4)3, is a chemical compound composed of gadolinium (Gd) cations with a +3 oxidation state and sulfate (SO4^2-) anions. Gadolinium is a rare earth element that commonly exists in its +3 oxidation state in compounds.

Gadolinium(III) sulfate has various properties and potential applications:

  1. Materials Research: Scientists study gadolinium(III) sulfate and similar compounds to investigate their crystal structures, electronic properties, and potential applications in various fields, including materials science and solid-state physics.
  2. Scintillators: Gadolinium(III) sulfate is used in scintillation detectors, which are devices that detect ionizing radiation by converting it into visible light. These detectors are used in various applications, including medical imaging and nuclear physics research.
  3. Phosphors: Gadolinium compounds, including gadolinium(III) sulfate, can be used as phosphors in lighting and display technologies due to their luminescent properties.
  4. Rare Earth Chemistry: Gadolinium(III) compounds, including gadolinium(III) sulfate, contribute to our understanding of rare earth chemistry and the behavior of lanthanides.
  5. Electrochemical and Electroanalytical Applications: Some gadolinium compounds, including gadolinium(III) sulfate, are studied for their electrochemical properties and potential use in electroanalytical techniques.
  6. Medical Imaging and Research: In certain cases, gadolinium compounds might be investigated for potential applications in medical imaging and research.

It’s important to handle gadolinium(III) sulfate and related compounds with care, as they can have potential health and environmental implications due to the toxicity of gadolinium. The use and handling of gadolinium-based compounds should be done following safety guidelines.

Gadolinium(III) phosphate

Gadolinium(III) phosphate, often represented by the chemical formula GdPO4, is a chemical compound composed of gadolinium (Gd) cations with a +3 oxidation state and phosphate (PO4^3-) anions. Gadolinium is a rare earth element that commonly exists in its +3 oxidation state in compounds.

Gadolinium(III) phosphate has various properties and potential applications:

  1. Materials Research: Scientists study gadolinium(III) phosphate and similar compounds to investigate their crystal structures, electronic properties, and potential applications in various fields, including materials science and solid-state physics.
  2. Scintillators: Gadolinium(III) phosphate is used in scintillation detectors, which are devices that detect ionizing radiation by converting it into visible light. These detectors are used in various applications, including medical imaging and nuclear physics research.
  3. Phosphors: Gadolinium compounds, including gadolinium(III) phosphate, can be used as phosphors in lighting and display technologies due to their luminescent properties.
  4. Rare Earth Chemistry: Gadolinium(III) compounds, including gadolinium(III) phosphate, contribute to our understanding of rare earth chemistry and the behavior of lanthanides.
  5. Electrochemical and Electroanalytical Applications: Some gadolinium compounds, including gadolinium(III) phosphate, are studied for their electrochemical properties and potential use in electroanalytical techniques.
  6. Medical Imaging and Research: In certain cases, gadolinium compounds might be investigated for potential applications in medical imaging and research.

It’s important to handle gadolinium(III) phosphate and related compounds with care, as they can have potential health and environmental implications due to the toxicity of gadolinium. The use and handling of gadolinium-based compounds should be done following safety guidelines.