Correlation between structural defects and electronic properties of icosahedral boron-rich solids

Abstract

From fine-structure investigations it is well known that in many icosahedral boron-rich solids the occupation densities of specific atomic sites are considerably reduced. Investigations of the electronic properties have proved that the electronic properties of these semiconductors are strongly influenced by high densities of intrinsic states in the band gaps. For β-rhombohedral boron and boron carbide, the best investigated icosahedral boron-rich solids, it is shown that the concentrations of structural defects and electronic gap states are quantitatively correlated, and that this way the electron deficiencies theoretically calculated for the valence bands of corresponding idealized structures are compensated. Obviously, the structural defects in these crystals are the necessary consequence of the valence electron deficiency. It is suggested that this correlation holds for the icosahedral boron-rich solids in general. © 1999 IOP Publishing Ltd.