Exploring mass dependence in electron-hole clusters

Date:
June 18, 2020
Source:
Springer
Summary:
A study reveals that the behavior of one type of three-particle
cluster displays a distinct relationship with the ratio between
the masses of its particles.



FULL STORY ==========================================================================
A study reveals that the behavior of one type of three-particle cluster displays a distinct relationship with the ratio between the masses of
its particles.


==========================================================================
In solid materials, when an electron changes position without another
to fill its place, a positively charged 'hole' can appear which is
attracted to the original electron. In more complex situations, the
process can even result in stable clusters of multiple electrons and
holes, whose behaviours all depend on each other. Strangely, the masses
of each particle inside a cluster can be different to their masses when
they are on their own. However, physicists aren't yet entirely clear
how these mass variations can affect the overall properties of clusters
in real solids. Through a study published in EPJ B, Alexei Frolov at
the University of Western Ontario, Canada, reveals that the behaviour
of one type of three-particle cluster displays a distinct relationship
with the ratio between the masses of its particles.

Clusters of electrons and holes are already known to affect the
absorption of light by semiconductors, which are now key components
of many modern technologies. Frolov's research could significantly
improve our understanding of these important materials, and it may also
enable researchers to better explain smaller details in their optical and infrared spectra. In his study, Frolov considered a cluster containing two electrons with ordinary masses, and one hole which could vary between one
and two electron masses. Through his calculations, distinctive behaviours emerged which displayed clear relationships with the ratio between the
mass of this heavier hole, and that of each lighter electron.

Frolov based his calculations around the principles of quantum mechanics,
which he used to derive a series of formulas to describe the mass
dependence of three-particle clusters extremely accurately. He now hopes
that these formulas could be modified to describe clusters containing
four or more particles with varying masses. If achieved, this would
create new opportunities to understand and fine-tune the properties of
real semiconductors in future research.


========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by Springer. Note: Content may be edited
for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Alexei M. Frolov. Mass-dependencies of the bound state properties
for
three-body positronium-like exitonic complexes. The European
Physical Journal B, 2020; 93 (5) DOI: 10.1140/epjb/e2020-10076-7 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200618120203.htm

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