Strained Layer Superlattices

Strained Layer Superlattices are advanced materials composed of very thin layers of different semiconductor materials stacked alternately. Because these layers are so thin, their atomic structures slightly stretch or compress—this is called strain—to fit together seamlessly. This strain alters their electronic properties, allowing engineers to customize how these materials interact with light and electricity. Such precise control makes strained layer superlattices valuable in high-performance optoelectronic devices like lasers, photodetectors, and solar cells, enhancing their efficiency and capability beyond traditional materials.