High-temperature amorphous-like semiconductors

Abstract

The experimental results of a study of high-temperature boron-rich semiconductors, such as /spl alpha/- and /spl beta/-AlB/sub 12/, MgAlB/sub 14/, and REB/sub 66/ (where RE are rare earths, e.g. Gd), are reviewed. They were shown to represent a novel class of unique solids, combining physico-chemical properties of refractory crystals with electrical, optical and thermal properties typical for amorphous semiconductors due to specific features of their lattice. These semiconductors are believed to be promising for high-temperature device applications.