Zhores Alferov Created 2026-10-24 Updated 2026-11-05
Zhores Alferov developed double heterostructure semiconductor devices that confine carriers in a narrow active region. Different band gaps inhibit carrier escape, while refractive-index contrast can guide the optical field through the same region. Bringing carriers and light together increases useful gain and reduces the current needed for laser operation. His account connects the heterostructure concept with practical semiconductor lasers and other electronic and optoelectronic devices.[ref]
Nobel Lecture: The double heterostructure concept and its applications in physics, electronics, and technology by Zhores Ivanovich Alferov. Reviews of Modern Physics 73, 767 (2001), carrier/optical confinement and device applications
A physicist who studied semiconductor heterostructures at the Ioffe institute.[ref]
Professional profile of Zhores Ivanovich Alferov. Independent professional identity
Portrait of Zhores Alferov
. Russian Presidential Press and Information Office (www.kremlin.ru); crop by user:Pruneau. CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Source.