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:

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