Semiconductor nanowires: optics and optoelectronics

Single crystalline semiconductor nanowires are being extensively investigated due to their unique electronic and optical properties and their potential use in novel electronic and photonic devices. The unique properties of nanowires arise owing to their anisotropic geometry, large surface to volume ratio, and carrier and photon confinement in two dimensions (1D system). Currently, tremendous efforts are being devoted to rational synthesis of nanowire structures with control over their composition, structure, dopant concentration, characterization, fundamental properties, and assembly into functional devices. In this article we will review the progress made in the area of nanowire optics and optoelectronic devices, including diodes, lasers, detectors, and waveguides, and will outline the general challenges that must be overcome and some potential solutions in order to continue the exponential progress in this exciting area of research.