Phonon scattering at acceptors with gamma8 ground states in semiconductors

Abstract

The ground state of acceptors in cubic semiconductors is fourfold degenerate and the interaction with the lattice vibrations leads to the possibility of a Jahn-Teller effect, causing a dynamical splitting of the electronic levels. However, due to the extended nature of the wave function of the defect, random internal fields may have dominant influence to destroy the J.T. effect. Such an influence should be smaller for deeper acceptors, where the wavefunctions are more concentrated.