The instructors lecture on semiconductor theory necessary for actual materials researchers, including from solid state physics to the intuitive understanding necessary for materials research. The first 7 classes cover from the fundamental electronic structure of semiconductors, semiconductor doping, the Fermi level, and statistical distribution functions, to PN junctions. The last 7 classes concentrate on the operational principles of semiconductor devices such as solar cells, light-emitting diodes, and field-effect transistors.
The purpose of this course is to provide students a basis of semiconductor theory, devices, and electronic structures of semiconductors which forms the basis for materials researchers advancing research in semiconductor materials.
[Objective] The objective of this lecture is to understand how to examine properties of semiconductor materials, which is necessary for materials researchers.
[Subject] From the view point of materials science, the essence for semiconductor physics, devices, and material design will be reviewed. It will be focused on understanding and mastering operation principle of representative electronic devices, their structures, and method of characterizations rather than details of semiconductor physics.
Semiconductor Physics, Semiconductor Devices, Development of Novel Semiconductor Materials
✔ Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | ✔ Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
The topic changes every class. There will be exercises.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Basis of Band Structure in Semiconductor | Understand basis of band structure in semiconductor |
Class 2 | Density of States and Fermi-Energy | Understand density of states and Fermi energy |
Class 3 | Electron in Periodical Potential Structure | Understand Electron in Periodical Potential Structure |
Class 4 | Doping | Understand doping |
Class 5 | Electron Transport Mechanisms: Drift and Diffusion | Understand electron transport mechanisms of drift and diffusion |
Class 6 | Continuity Equation of Minority Carrier | Understand continuity equation of minority carrier |
Class 7 | PN Junction | Understand PN junction |
Class 8 | Outline of Semiconductor Devices | Understand outline of semiconductor devices |
Class 9 | Light-Emitting Diodes | Understand light-emitting diodes |
Class 10 | Photovoltaic Cells and Photodiodes | Understand photovoltaic cells and photodiodes |
Class 11 | Bipolar Transistors and Field Effect Transistors | Understand bipolar transistors and field effect transistors |
Class 12 | Photoelectron Spectroscopies and their Application | Understand photoelectron spectroscopies and their application |
Class 13 | Band Line-up | Understand band line-up |
Class 14 | Semiconductor Materials Design I | Understand semiconductor materials design |
Class 15 | Semiconductor Materials Design II | Understand semiconductor materials design |
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Refer to either of the following reference books.
Physics of Semiconductor Devices, S. M. Sze and Kwok. K. NG, Wiley Third edition
Assessment is based on the quality of exercise problems (100%).
Students are encouraged to complete the related courses.