The two faces of electronic response to light absorption in compound semiconductor

What is it about?

Absorption of light adds energy to a material. The electrons inside the material can react collectively or independently to that energy. Here, the dominant reaction pattern should not depend on perspective. However, in compound semiconductors, surprisingly, divergent responses are obtained depending on which atomic constituent is consulted.

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Why is it important?

Both patterns, collective and independent, are important to obtain a full understanding of how the electrons inside a material react to the absorption of light. Probing the response only through a single atomic species provides an incomplete picture. Full knowledge of both perspectives enables optimization of promising new materials for applications in electronics and optoelectronics.