Module Information
Module Identifier
PH33610
Module Title
Semiconductor Physics
Academic Year
2014/2015
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Pre-Requisite
PH14310, and successful completion of Year 2.
Other Staff
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 22 lectures |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Exam | 2 Hours Written examination | 70% |
| Semester Assessment | Course Work | 30% |
| Supplementary Exam | 2 Hours Written examination | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
After taking this module students should be able to:
- understand the basic mechanisms of electrical conductivity in semiconductors.
- understand the operation of the semiconductor junctions and appreciate their crucial role in the production of integrated semiconductor devices.
- appreciate the future direction of semiconductor device technology.
Brief description
This module provides a basic introduction to semiconductor physics, concentrating on those elements which underpin an understanding of the operation of semiconductor devices. The physics of important devices, such as transistors, will be detailed. In addition, an introduction to novel device structures which are being developed as a result of advances in semiconductor research will be provided.
Content
Semiconductor materials and their crystal structure - Miller indices.
Intrinsic and extrinsic conductivity. Shallow and deep centres and structures, effective mass.
Diffusion of carriers.
Junctions in semiconductor systems - the metal-semiconductor junction, homo- and hetero-semiconductor-semiconductor junction, and the metal-insulator-semiconductor junction.
The planar transistor structure. Planar resistor and capacitor structure.
Semiconductor optoelectronic devices. Detectors (photodiodes and transistors, photovoltaic devices, and emitters (LEDs and lasers).
Novel devices - HEMTs, quantum well devices.
Intrinsic and extrinsic conductivity. Shallow and deep centres and structures, effective mass.
Diffusion of carriers.
Junctions in semiconductor systems - the metal-semiconductor junction, homo- and hetero-semiconductor-semiconductor junction, and the metal-insulator-semiconductor junction.
The planar transistor structure. Planar resistor and capacitor structure.
Semiconductor optoelectronic devices. Detectors (photodiodes and transistors, photovoltaic devices, and emitters (LEDs and lasers).
Novel devices - HEMTs, quantum well devices.
Reading List
A Bar-Lev Semiconductor and Electronic Devices Prentice Hall Primo search M Jaros Physics and Applications of Semiconductor Microstructures Oxford Primo search T E Jenkins Semiconductor Science-Growth and Characteristation Techniques Prentice Hall Primo search
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 6