superlatticen.
/ˈsuːpəˌlatᵻs/, /ˈsjuːpəˌlatᵻs/, U.S. /ˈsupərˌlædəs/ Materials Science.
1. An ordered arrangement of certain atoms in a solid solution extending through large parts of the solution and coexisting with the disorder of the remaining atoms. Also (in later use): a solid solution having such a structure; = superstructure n. 3.
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the world > matter > chemistry > elements and compounds > metals > [noun] > metallic structure > superlattice
superlattice1925
superstructure1931
1925 Proc. Royal Soc. A. 108 653 The positions and intensities of the lines are in accord with a face-centred cubic lattice throughout the whole range of concentration, and there is no evidence of a super-lattice.
1943 Proc. Royal Soc. A. 181 310 The few remaining cases were all in the neighbourhood of 25% Ni, where there is reason to suspect a superlattice in the α-phase.
1979 Nature 11 Oct. 469/2 Ordered solid solutions (superstructures or superlattices), in which atoms of one kind segregate into a particular set of lattice positions, are usually obtained by slow cooling at the critical ordering temperature.
2008 H. Fredriksson & U. Åkerlind Physics Functional Materials i. 38 If the temperature of the ordered solid solution increases above a certain critical temperature, the attractive forces are not strong enough to maintain the superlattice against thermal agitation.
2. A small-scale spatial periodicity in the composition of a semiconductor. Also: a semiconductor possessing such periodicity.
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the world > matter > physics > solid state physics > semiconductivity > [noun] > small-scale periodicity
superlattice1970
1970 IBM Jrnl. Res. & Devel. 14 61 We consider a one-dimensional periodic potential, or ‘super~lattice’, in monocrystalline semiconductors formed by a periodic variation of alloy composition or of impurity density during epitaxial growth.
1977 McGraw-Hill Yearbk. Sci. & Technol. 380/1 Photocurrent measurements in the superlattice structures have made it possible to observe simultaneously quantum states and associated anomalous conductance.
1987 T. Forester High-tech Society (1989) ii. 38 Experimental superlattices in computer company and university labs have allegedly recorded speeds four times faster than those for gallium arsenide chips.
2005 R. E. Newnham Properties of Materials xxxi. 349/1 Two of the exciting areas of research concern the superlattice structures and quantum wells which appear in dilute magnetic semiconductors.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2012; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1925