Hydride electronics

Abstract With the help of first‐principles density functional calculations, using AlH 3 as a model system, we have shown that some of the hydrides possess the features of transparent conducting oxides (TCO). Based on this observation we discuss here the possible novel applications of hydrides in electronic device technology as electrical conducting materials, which can have both n‐ and p‐type conductivity and at the same time transparent in the infrared (IR), near IR, or visible regions. Moreover, some advantages concerning properties of interfaces in case of using hydrides in modern multilayer based device structures are discussed. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)