EFFECTIVE MASSES OF WURTZITE GAN CALCULATED FROM AN EMPIRICAL TIGHT-BINDING MODEL

The energy band structure of wurtzite GaN is calculated using an sp(3) d(5) - sp(3) empirical tight-binding method (ETBM) that includes the s pin-orbit interaction. The model incorporates all nearest-neighbor and some second-nearest neighbor interactions within the two-center appro ximation. The second-nearest neighbor interactions excluded are the ca tion-cation interactions involving the Ga 3d orbital. The effective ma sses of the conduction and A, B, and C valence bands have been calcula ted and found to be in good agreement with published experimental data . (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.