Semiconductor optical device with nanowhiskers

A semiconductor optical device comprising:

• a semiconductor substrate;
• a plurality of semiconductor nanowhiskers each having a pn junction, formed on a main surface of said semiconductor substrate in the direction substantially perpendicular to said main surface, said plurality of semiconductor nanowhiskers each having a first conductivity type region and a second conductivity type region;
• a first electrode electrically connected with said first conductivity type regions of said semiconductor nanowhiskers;
• and
• a second electrode electrically connected with said second conductivity type regions of said semiconductor nanowhiskers;
• wherein at least a portion of said plurality of semiconductor nanowhiskers are arranged at substantially equal distances;
• and
• wherein desired semiconductor nanowhiskers can be selectively operated by selectively applying power or potential to the desired semiconductor nanowhiskers,