Introductory description

ES2D6-15 Semiconductor Materials and Devices

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

• Physics of doped semiconductor materials extending beyond silicon
• Energy bands, density of states, Fermi distributions, occupancy
• Description of mobility and generation-recombination effects
• Behaviour of diodes, including optoelectronic devices
• Behaviour of bipolar and field effect transistors
• Growth and fabrication technology for electronic devices

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Critically understand the interaction of different physics in providing new properties and device operation concepts. [C1,M1(D)]
• Solve problems (including numerically) in semiconductor materials and devices. [M2]
• Understand the operation of realistic devices and the effect of non-idealities. [C1,M1(D)]
• Consolidate knowledge of the electronic properties and behaviour of semiconductor materials.
• Analyse the operation of electronic devices (diodes, FETs, BJTs, solar cells, etc.) from the bottom up. [M3], [M12]
• Evaluate the fundamental parameters controlling the properties of semiconductor materials. [M3], [M4]

Indicative reading list

S. O. Kasap, Principles of Electronic Materials and Devices, 4th edition McGraw Hill, published 25/04/2017, ISBN 9780078028182, essential

Physics of semiconductor devices
S.M. Sze and Kwok K. Ng; 3rd ed., Hoboken, N.J. : Wiley-Interscience, published 2007, ISBN Print 9780470068328, ISBN Ebook 9780470068304, further reading

Semiconductor device fundamentals
Robert F. Pierret, Addison-Wesley c1996, ISBN 0201543931, 0131784595, 9780201543933, 9780131784598, further reading

Lessons from nanoelectronics: a new perspective on transport, Part A: basic concepts
Supriyo Datta' 2nd ed., World Scientific Publishing, published 2017, ISBN 9813209747, 9789813209749, further reading

The Oxford solid state basics
Steven H. Simon, Oxford University Press, Incorporated, published 16-08-2013, Print ISBN 9780199680764, Ebook ISBN 9780191502101 further reading

Ben G. Streetman and Sanjay Kumar Banerjee, Solid State Electronic Devices, 7th edition, Pearson Education, 2015, further reading

The Feynman lectures on physics
Richard P. Feynman; Robert B. Leighton; Matthew L. Sands; Michael A. Gottlieb, Pearson/Addison-Wesley, published c2006, ISBN 0805390456, 0805390464, 0805390472, 0805390499, 0805390634, further reading

Interdisciplinary

Spans the boundaries of Physics and Electronic Engineering, integrating fundamental physics concepts into design, analysis and use of practical electronic components.

Subject specific skills

1. Plan the semiconductor device design process, evaluating outcomes, and working with technical uncertainty.
2. Knowledge and understanding of the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct in engineering and the use of technical literature, other information sources and industry standards.
3. Ability to apply relevant practical and laboratory skills.

Transferable skills

1. Numeracy: apply mathematical methods to calculate parameters.
2. Apply problem solving skills, information retrieval, and the effective use of general IT facilities.
3. Communicate (written and oral; to technical and non-technical audiences) and work with others.
4. Plan self-learning and improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
5. Overcome difficulties by employing skills, knowledge and understanding in a flexible manner.