Seminconductor devices

Abstract

The lecture course covers the basic principles of semiconductor devices in micro-, opto-, and power electronics. It imparts knowledge both on the basic physics and on the operation principles of pn-junctions, diodes, contacts, bipolar transistors, MOS devices, solar cells, photodetectors, LEDs, laser diodes, and power devices.

Objective

Understanding of the basic principles of semiconductor devices in micro-, opto-, and power electronics.

Content

Brief survey of the history of microelectronics. Basic physics: Crystal structure of solids, properties of silicon and other semiconductors, principles of quantum mechanics, band model, conductivity, dispersion relation, equilibrium statistics, transport equations, generation-recombination (G-R), Quasi-Fermi levels. Physical and electrical properties of the pn-junction. pn-diode: Characteristics, small-signal behaviour, G-R currents, ideality factor, junction breakdown. Contacts: Schottky contact, rectifying barrier, Ohmic contact, Heterojunctions. Bipolar transistor: Operation principles, modes of operation, characteristics, models, simulation. MOS devices: Band diagram, MOSFET operation, CV- and IV characteristics, frequency limitations and nonideal behaviour. Optoelectronic devices: Optical absorption, solar cells, photodetector, LED, laser diode. Power devices: Types, modes of operation, static and dynamic behaviour.

Resources