Recombination (physics)

From Freepedia

In solid state physics, recombination is the process by which the broken semiconductor crystal bonds are restored, via a mutual elimination of an electron and a hole, the complementary charge carriers.

In thermal recombination, the energy is released in the form of lattice vibration, heating up the material.

In radiative recombination, a photon is emitted with the wavelength corresponding to the energy released. This effect is the basis of LEDs and semiconductor lasers.