Monopolarity of hot charge carrier multiplication in A$^{\mathrm{III}}$B$^{\mathrm{V}}$ semiconductors at high electric field and noiseless avalanche photodiodes (a review)

The results of theoretical and experimental studies of impact ionization processes and charge carrier heating in multi-valley A$^{\mathrm{III}}$B$^{\mathrm{V}}$ semiconductors at high electric field are presented and their relationship with the features of the band structure is discussed. A role of subsidiary $L$- and $X$-valleys, complex structure of the valence band and orientation dependence of the ionization coefficients are taken into account. A new approach to the choice of semiconductor materials with a large ratio of the ionization coefficients of holes and electrons to create the noiseless avalanche photodiodes due to monopolarity of hot charge carrier multiplication is proposed.