On the Band Gap Variation in SiC Polytypes

Abstract

Electronic band gaps of SiC polytypes are reproduced within an interface matching technique of electronic wave functions. Essential features resulting from this treatment are introduced in a one-dimensional model, leading to a transparent description of the electronic band gap variation among polytypes. It is discussed in what sense the polytypes of SiC are exceptional in showing a relatively strong band gap variation, contrary to e.g. polytypes of ZnS and hypothetical polytypes made up from Si, C or AlAs.