This course examines the physical principles underlying semiconductor device operation and the application of these principles to specific devices. Emphasis is placed on understanding device operation, rather than on circuit properties. Topics include elementary excitations in semiconductors such as phonons, photons, conduction electrons, and holes; charge and heat transport; carrier trapping and recombination; effects of high doping; contacts; the pn junction; the junction transistor; surface effects; the MIS diode; and the MOSFET. Nanotechnology as applied to electronics will be discussed.
An undergraduate degree in engineering, physics, or a related technical discipline. Some familiarity with quantum mechanics would be helpful.