Symposium D, "Compound Semiconductors for Energy Applications and Environmental Sustainability," was held at the 2011 MRS Spring Meeting April 25-29 in San Francisco, California. Compound semiconductors have long been an integral part of everyday life. Many of these semiconductors exhibit direct band gaps that are tailorable over a wide range of energy. This property can be leveraged for many energy-related applications such as efficient lighting, high-efficiency solar cells, and efficient switching. Recent progress on their potential as emitters, sensing devices in biological and chemical...

Compound semiconductors have long been an integral part of everyday life. Recent progress on their potential as emitters, sensing devices in biological and chemical environments, and high-efficiency power devices demonstrates their impact on energy and environment. Compound-semiconductor-based photovoltaic systems are emerging as an economical means of generating renewable energy through the use of concentrator technologies. However, while solid-state lighting devices have shown energy-saving and environmental benefits, much still needs to be done to realize their full potential. This book...