Abstract: Expitaxial composite comprising thin films of a Group III-V compound semiconductor such as gallium arsenide (GaAs) or gallium aluminum arsenide (GaAlAs) on single crystal silicon substrates are disclosed. Also disclosed is a process for manufacturing, by chemical deposition from the vapor phase, epitaxial composites as above described, and to semiconductor devices based on such epitaxial composites. The composites have particular utility for use in making light sensitive solid state solar cells.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a process for fabrication of quantum-well devices, in which the quantum-wells are configured as small islands of GaAs in an AlGaAs matrix. Typically these islands are roughly cubic, with dimensions of about 100 Angstroms per side. To fabricate these, an n- on n+ epitaxial GaAs structure is grown, and then is etched to an e-beam defined patterned twice, and AlGaAs is epitaxially regrown each time. This defines the quantum wells of GaAs in an AlGaAs matrix, and output contacts are then easily formed.

Abstract: A method for growing a Group II-VI epitaxial layer on a substrate, said epitaxial layer having an electron mobility greater than 1.5.times.10.sup.5 cm.sup.2 /V-sec at 77.degree. K. and a carrier concentration less than 4.times.10.sup.15 (cm.sup.-3) is described. The method includes the steps of directing a plurality of vapor flows towards the substrate including a Group II metalorganic vapor having a mole fraction in the range of 3.0.times.10.sup.-4 to 4.5.times.10.sup.-4, a Group VI metalorganic vapor having a mole fraction in the range of 2.9.times.10.sup.-3 to 3.5.times.10.sup.-3 and a Group II elemental metal vapor having a mole fraction in the range of 2.6.times.10.sup.-2 to 3.2.times.10.sup.-2. The source of Group II metal is heated to at least 240.degree. C. while radiant energy is directed toward the reactor vessel to warm the zone of the reactor vessel between the Group II metal source and the substrate to at least 240.degree. C.

Abstract: A layer of a compound semiconductor having good quality is formed by disposing a substrate in an epitaxial growth layer, feeding a second reactant gas through a guide member extending from the downstream side to the upstream side of the flow of a first reactant gas, mixing the first reactant gas and second reactant gas, and supplying the resultant gaseous mixture of the first and second reactant gases onto the substrate.