Semiconductor Technology

Module Identifier: PH33610
Module Title: Semiconductor Technology
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Semester: Semester 2
Co-ordinator: Professor Andrew Evans
Reading List: View on Aspire
Other Staff: Dr Anita Brady-Boyd; Dr Rachel Cross; Professor Andrew Evans

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment details	Assessment length	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Examples Sheet:		10%
Semester Assessment	Technical Report:		20%
Semester Exam	Written Examination:	2 Hours	70%
Supplementary Exam	Written Examination:	2 Hours	100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the physics of semiconductor junctions. 2. Explain the role of charge transport and light-matter interaction in the operation of semiconductor devices. 3. Critically review the complete route from the initial materials to the production of electronic and optoelectronic devices. 4. Critically analyse the technical issues involved in the production of practical devices. 5. Critically analyse characterisation methods for semiconductor materials and devices. 6. Critically evaluate the future direction of semiconductor device technology.

Brief description

In this module, semiconductor physics introduced in PH32410 will be developed and applied to semiconductor devices. The physics of electronic and optoelectronic devices will be developed, including novel structures leading from advances in semiconductor research. The module will introduce students to the technology of production and processing of discrete and integrated semiconductor devices.

Content

- Semiconductor interfaces
- Charge distribution and energy band diagrams
- Light absorption and emission
- Electronic and optoelectronic devices
- Detectors and sensors
- Novel devices
- Semiconductor fabrication
- Device design and processing
- Device characterisation

Module skills

Skills type	Skills details
Application of Number	Assessments will include numerical problems
Communication	Written communication using appropriate scientific and technological terminology and style
Improving own Learning and Performance	Independent learning and critical assessment of appropriate literature
Information Technology	Design and evaluation packages
Personal Development and Career planning	Relevance for 4 of the 6 EU Key Enabling Technologies (KET): micro and nanoelectronics, advanced materials, photonics, and advanced manufacturing
Problem solving	Calculations in assessments
Research skills	Critical evaluation of science and technology resources
Subject Specific Skills	Application of key physics concepts to semiconductor technology
Team work	Group discussions

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6