Semiconductor Physics
Halvledarfysik

FFF021F, 7.5 credits

Valid from: Spring 2015
Decided by: FN1/Anders Gustafsson
Date of establishment: 2014-12-19

General Information

Division: Solid State Physics
Course type: Course given jointly for second and third cycle
The course is also given at second-cycle level with course code: FFF021
Teaching language: English

Aim

The course aims for the student to develop a deeper understanding of the physical principles that form the basis of semiconductor physics and which is of central importance for understanding function of semiconductor devices, in particular transistors. An understanding of fundamental semiconductor physics and of the properties of semiconductor materials is crucial in order to be able to evaluate options regarding components and in order to be able to follow and take part in the development within the field.

Goals

Knowledge and Understanding

For a passing grade the doctoral student must

• be able to account for essential theories and models within semiconductor physics
• be able to account for the operation of basic semiconductor devices based on physical principles
• be able to discuss the performance of devices in terms of material parameters and device design

Competences and Skills

For a passing grade the doctoral student must

• be able to analyse devices using commercial simulation tools and to summarize and explain the results in a written report.
• be able to solve problems and, in written form, clearly and in a structured way describe the solution.
• be able to argue, use relevant concepts and make conclusions in a scientific discussion.

Course Contents

Physics of semiconductors: bandstructure, intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors, charge carrier concentrations and transport phenomena. Generation, recombination, injection and transport of non-equilibrium carriers. Surface states. Electrical properties of components such as the pn junction, the bipolar transistor, metal-semiconductor junction. Metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET): basic properties, functionality and scaling.

Course Literature

Sze, S. & Lee, M.: Semiconductor Devices - Physics and Technology.
We will be using the third edition (most recent one). Previous editions will be sufficient most of the time.

Instruction Details

Types of instruction: Lectures, laboratory exercises, exercises

Examination Details

Examination formats: Oral exam, written assignments, miscellaneous. Compulsory labs with written reports.
Grading scale: Failed, pass
Examiner:

Admission Details

Assumed prior knowledge: Solid state physics including introductory semiconductor physics equivalent to FFFF05 Solid state physics, FFFF01 Electronic materials or ESS030 Physics of devices

Further Information

Course coordinators: Carina Fasth, carina.fasth@ftf.lth.se Dan Hessman, dan.hessman@ftf.lth.se

Course Occasion Information

Contact and Other Information

Course coordinators:
Web page: http://www.ftf.lth.se/education/quick_links_to_course_pages/fff021_semiconductor_physics/