Semiconductors, Materials and Nanotechnology

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

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the physics of semiconductors, soft matter and nanomaterials
2. Critically review the complete route from the initial materials to the production of electronic and optoelectronic devices
3. Demonstrate familiarity with the physics and experimental materials science of Soft Matter systems
4. Critically analyse the technical issues involved in the production of practical devices
5. Describe and critically evaluate the distinctive properties of nanoscale materials and nanoparticles

This module builds on the fundamental condensed matter physics developed in PH32410 and exposes students to some advanced topics and current research. the main topics are semiconductors, soft matter and nanomaterials. Technological applications of functional materials are introduced alongside the physics supporting them.

1. Crystalline semiconductors
a. Group IV
b. Compound semiconductors
2. Electronic and Optoelectronic Devices
3. Thin films
4. Device fabrication and design
a. Silicon MOS & Integrated circuits
b. Lithography and etching
5. Device characterisation
6. Soft matter
a. Rheology
b. Polymers
c. Organic semiconductors
d. Biomaterials
7. Characterisation of organic materials
8. Nanomaterials
a. Low dimensionality and quantum confinement
b. Quantum wells and 2D materials
c. Nanoparticles

This module is at CQFW Level 6