Background material for GaAs processing was presented in this chapter for easy reference and to give an overview of GaAs technology. The material presented includes semiconductor physics, GaAs material growth technology, methods of characterisation and an overview of the entire product realisation process. The explanations and descriptions were simplified and condensed to fit in one chapter. They are not a substitute for in depth study of any particular subject area, but rather intended as a concise reference for material in later chapters or a starting point for further study. The authors also believe that a reader should not have to interrupt reading material to consult detailed reference books on specific subject areas when concise summaries are sufficient for the purpose at hand.

Inspec keywords: III-V semiconductors; semiconductor growth; gallium arsenide

Other keywords: semiconductor physics; semiconductor properties; GaAs material growth technology; GaAs technology; GaAs processing; semiconductor growth; GaAs

Subjects: Methods of crystal growth and purification