Abstract: A method of disordering a quantum well heterostructure, including the step of irradiating the heterostructure with a particle beam, wherein the energy of the beam is such that the beam creates a substantially constant distribution of defects within the heterostructure. The irradiating particles can be ions or electrons, and the energy is preferably such that the irradiating particles pass through the heterostructure. Light ions such as hydrogen ions are preferred because they are readily available and produce substantially uniform distributions of point defects at relatively low energies. The method can be used to tune the wavelength range of an optoelectronic device including such a heterostructure, such as a photodetector.