Download PH4025 - Physics of Electronic Devices

PH4025 – Physics of Electronic Devices
PH4025 - Physics of Electronic Devices
Credits:
Number of Lectures:
Academic Year:
15.0
27
2016-17
Semester:
Lecturer:
2
Dr Andrea Di Falco
Overview
Materials with electronic band gap of up to ~3 eV, and resistivity ranging from 10-3 to 10-9 /cm, are
known as semiconductors. Their electronic properties are strongly temperature dependent, and may
be manipulated through the controlled addition of dopants. Through an understanding of the physics
of semiconductors, it is possible to create designer electronic materials with a wide range of properties.
Junctions between differently doped semiconductors can be readily fabricated, which form the basis of
simple electronic components that underpin all modern solid-state electronics.
Aims & Objectives
The course describes the physical phenomena involved in the operation of semiconductor devices,
and then shows how the phenomena determine the properties of specific devices such as transistors,
light emitting diodes and semiconductor lasers.
Learning Outcomes
Students will:
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gain an appreciation for the wide range of electronic and optoelectronic devices used in
consumer electronics.
understand the key aspects of the electron energy bands in semiconductors and how free
charge carrier populations may be engineered to control electronic properties.
understand the working principles of semiconductor pn junctions, Schottky and heterojunctions, and how these form the basis for a variety of electronic components.
learn to apply their knowledge of semiconductor junctions to explain the operating
principles of common devices including transistors, light emitting diodes, solar cells and
diode lasers.
Synopsis
Semiconductor properties: band-gaps, optical and electrical properties
Conduction in an electric field and by diffusion
Factors determining the concentration of electrons and holes
The continuity equation
Properties of pn junctions and Schottky diodes
semiconductor quantum wells
bipolar transistor, field effect transistor, MOSFET,
light-emitting diodes, solar cells, semiconductor lasers
Pre-requisites
PH2011, PH2012, MT2001 or (MT2501 and MT2503), (PH3081 or PH3082 or [MT2003 or
(MT2506 and MT2507)]), The course assumes a basic understanding of electromagnetism,
statistical physics and quantum mechanics as provided by PH3007 Electromagnetism, PH3012
Thermal and Statistical Physics, PH3061 Quantum Mechanics 1
Anti-requisites
None
Assessment
2 Hour Examination = 100%
Accreditation Matters
This module may not contain material that is part of the IOP “Core of Physics”, but does contribute to
the wider and deeper learning expected in an accredited degree programme. The skills developed in
this module, and others, contribute towards the requirements of the IOP “Graduate Skill Base”.
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PH4025 – Physics of Electronic Devices
Recommended Books
Please view University online record:
http://resourcelists.st-andrews.ac.uk/modules/ph4025.html
General Information
Please also read the general information in the School's honours handbook.
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