“Photonics and Electronics with Germanium” by Wada and Kimerling offers an extensive exploration of the properties, fabrication techniques, and applications of germanium-based photonics and electronics. Here’s a summary:
The book begins by introducing readers to the unique properties of germanium (Ge) as a semiconductor material, highlighting its compatibility with both photonics and electronics applications. Wada and Kimerling cover topics such as the electronic band structure of Ge, its optical properties, and its integration into complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology platforms.
Readers are then guided through the fabrication and characterization of Ge-based photonic and electronic devices, including photodetectors, modulators, light sources, and transistors. Wada and Kimerling elucidate fabrication techniques such as epitaxial growth, ion implantation, and doping strategies, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating Ge into device structures.
A significant portion of the book is dedicated to exploring the applications of Ge-based photonics and electronics across various domains, including telecommunications, sensing, imaging, and computing. Wada and Kimerling discuss examples of Ge-based devices such as Ge-on-Si photodetectors, Ge laser sources, and Ge-based transistors, highlighting their advantages in terms of performance, compatibility, and scalability compared to traditional materials.
Furthermore, the book addresses practical considerations for designing and deploying Ge-based photonic and electronic systems. Wada and Kimerling provide insights into device modeling, packaging techniques, and system integration approaches, enabling readers to develop robust and reliable Ge-based solutions for real-world applications.
Throughout the text, Wada and Kimerling emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of research and development in Ge-based photonics and electronics, highlighting the importance of collaboration between materials scientists, device engineers, and system designers. The book also includes case studies, examples, and references to recent research and industry developments, providing readers with opportunities for further exploration and study.
With its comprehensive coverage, theoretical insights, and practical applications, “Photonics and Electronics with Germanium” serves as an invaluable resource for researchers, engineers, and practitioners in the field. Whether used as a textbook for academic study or as a reference for industry professionals, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the properties, fabrication techniques, and applications of germanium-based photonics and electronics.