The Chemical Bond in Semiconductors: The Group v B to Vii B Elements and Compounds Formed Between Them

A brief review is first given of the developments which led to an understanding of the important role played by chemical bonding in semiconductors. The properties of the Group V B to VII B elements and of some compounds formed between these elements are then considered according to the valence bond model of Pauling. This leads to the conclusion that the band scheme in these substances is somewhat different to that which has been generally accepted, and we discuss the new model in relation to their electrical and optical properties.