Richard T. Williams – författare

Discussing the structure and evolution of the self-trapped exciton (STE) in a range of materials, this work includes a comprehensive review of experiments and extensive tables of data. Emphasis is given throughout to the unity of the basic physics underlying various manifestations of self-trapping, with the theory being developed from a localized, atomistic perspective. The topics treated in detail in relation to STE relaxation include spontaneous symmetry breaking, lattice defect formation, radiation damage and electronic sputtering.

Self-Trapped Excitons discusses the structure and evolution of the self-trapped exciton (STE) in a wide range of materials. It includes a comprehensive review of experiments and extensive tables of data. Emphasis is given throughout to the unity of the basic physics underlying various manifestations of self-trapping, with the theory being developed from a localized, atomistic perspective. The topics treated in detail in relation to STE relaxation include spontaneous symmetry breaking, lattice defect formation, radiation damage, and electronic sputtering.

In crystals as diverse as sodium chloride, silicon dioxide,sold xenon, pyrene, arsenic triselenide, and silverchloride, the fundamental electronicexcitation (exciton) islocalized within its own lattice distortion field veryshortly after its creation. This book discusses thestructure if the self-trapped exciton (STE) and itsevolution along the path of its return to the ground stateor to a defect state of crytal. A comprehensive review ofexperiments on STEs in a wide range of materials has beenassembled, including extensive tables of data. Throughout,emphasisis given to the basic physics underlying variousmanifestations of self-trapping. The role of the spontaneoussymmetry-breaking or "off-center"relaxation in STEstructure is examined thoroughly, and leads naturally to thesubject of lattice defect formation as a product of STErelaxation. The theory of STEs is developed from alocalized, atomistic perspective using self-consistentmethods adapted from the theory of defects in solids. Atthis time of rapid progress in STEs, researchers willwelcome the first monograph dedicaded solely to this topic.

This book is expected to present state-of-the-art understanding of a selection of excitonic and photonic processes in useful materials from semiconductors to insulators to metal/insulator nanocomposites, both inorganic and organic. Among the featured applications are components of solar cells, detectors, light-emitting devices, scintillators and materials with novel optical properties. Excitonic properties are particularly important in organic photovoltaics and light emitting devices, as also in questions of the ultimate resolution and efficiency of new-generation scintillators for medical diagnostics, border security and nuclear non proliferation. Novel photonic and optoelectronic applications benefit from new material combinations and structures to be discussed.

This book is expected to present state-of-the-art understanding of a selection of excitonic and photonic processes in useful materials from semiconductors to insulators to metal/insulator nanocomposites, both inorganic and organic.