Compound semiconductors for high-temperature electronic applications

Compound semiconductor technology is reviewed as it relates to high-temperature electronic device applications. The electrical requirements of majority and minority carrier device types are examined and six compound semiconductor materials are presented which are capable of operation above 300/sup 0/C. The state of the technological development of each of these materials is then reviewed, and several potential application areas of compound semiconductors are suggested. Finally, the high-temperature characteristics of devices fabricated in four of these chemical systems are displayed, and conclusions are drawn on the near term commercialization of this technology.