MBE

MBE is an acronym that can refer to two distinct concepts in different domains: a British honour and a scientific deposition method. In the United Kingdom, MBE stands for Member of the Order of the British Empire, a civilian and military honour within the British honours system. In science and engineering, MBE stands for Molecular Beam Epitaxy, a precise thin-film deposition technique used to grow crystalline layers.

As an honour, MBE is one of the five classes of the Order of the British Empire. It is below Commander (CBE) and above the Medal for Meritorious Service in common parlance, and it is not a knighthood. Recipients may use the post-nominal letters MBE. Nominations are reviewed by honours committees and approved by the monarch on the advice of the government; the recognition typically acknowledges significant achievement or sustained service to the community, in fields such as arts, science, charity, or public life. Investiture ceremonies publicly confer the honour, and recipients are encouraged to continue contributing to society.

Molecular Beam Epitaxy is a growth technique used to fabricate high-purity crystalline films, often for semiconductors and optoelectronics. It operates under ultra-high vacuum, directing beams of atoms or molecules from controllable sources toward a heated substrate. Growth occurs layer by layer, enabling precise control of thickness at the atomic scale and the creation of abrupt interfaces. Materials commonly grown by MBE include III–V semiconductors such as GaAs, AlGaAs, and InP, as well as related heterostructures, quantum wells, and superlattices. In-situ monitoring, such as reflection high-energy electron diffraction, helps track surface structure during deposition. MBE is valued for its precision and purity, but it is relatively slow and equipment-intensive, limiting its use mainly to research and specialized production.

The acronym MBE thus denotes two unrelated concepts whose meanings are clarified by context: a British honour or a scientific deposition method.