Thermodynamics of an electron—hole system in semiconductors

An investigation is made of the thermodynamics of an electron–hole system in semiconductors. It is shown that the electron–hole liquid, which exists even if it is not the stablest state, can evaporate a gas more complex than for germanium. Possible phase diagrams are given according to the relative values of the binding energies of the excitons, biexcitons, and electron–hole plasma. The possibility of more than one critical point is also considered.