Semiconducting beta-phase FeSi2 for light emitting diode applications: Recent developments, challenges, and solutions

This critical review surveys β-FeSi2 research over the years with focus on reviewing recent development in β-FeSi2-based light emitting diodes (LEDs). Based on theoretical analyses and comparison to experimental results reported in the literature, weak carrier confinement in the β-FeSi2 active layer has been identified as the likely cause for poor room-temperature electroluminescence (EL) performance of p-Si/p-β-FeSi2/n+-Si double hetero-junction LEDs. Solutions to overcome this limit have been proposed together with new research directions.