PH33610 - SEMICONDUCTOR PHYSICS

Module Identifier	PH33610
Module Title	SEMICONDUCTOR PHYSICS
Academic Year	2001/2002
Co-ordinator	Dr Tudor Jenkins
Semester	Semester 1
Other staff	Dr Andrew Evans
Pre-Requisite	PH23010
Course delivery	Lecture	22 lectures
	Seminars / Tutorials	2 tutorials
Assessment	Course work	Test 1 Deadline (week of Semester): Week 5	10%
	Course work	Test 2 Deadline (week of Semester): Week 11	10%
	Exam	2 Hours end of semester examination for BSc students	80%
	Exam	3 Hours end of semester examination for MPhys students	80%

Module 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 bipolar and MOS transistors, will be detailed. In addition, an introduction to novel device structures which are being developed as a result of recent massive advances in semiconductor research will be provided.

Learning outcomes

After taking this module students should be able to:

understand the basic mechanisms of electrical conductivity in semiconductors.
understand the physics of interfaces.
understand the operation of the p-n junction and appreciate its crucial role in the production of integrated semiconductor devices.
production of integrated semiconductor devices.
understand the operation of MOS devices.
appreciate the future direction of semiconductor device technology.

Additional learning activities

Tutorials

Outline syllabus

Semiconductor materials and their crystal structure - Miller indices.
Intrinsic and extrinsic conductivity. Shallow and deep centres.
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 p-n and bipolar transistor structure. Planar resistor and capacitor structure.
JFET, MOSFET and MESFET.
Power semiconductor devices (thyristor structures, bipolar power transistors, MOS power transistors).
Semiconductor optoelectronic devices. Detectors (photodiodes and transistors, photovoltaic devices, CCDs) and emitters (LEDs, LCDs and lasers).
Novel devices - HBTs, HEMTs, quantum well devices.

Reading Lists

Books
T E Jenkins. Semiconductor Science: Growth and Characteristation Techniques. Prentice Hall 0138057710
A Bar-Lev. Semiconductor and Electronic Devices. Prentice Hall 0138252092
M Jaros. Physics and Applications of Semiconductor Microstructures. Oxford 019851994X