Semiconductor Physics

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/semiconductor-physics

Introduction

### Course Review: Semiconductor Physics on Coursera #### Overview The **Semiconductor Physics** course, offered by CU Boulder on Coursera, presents an excellent opportunity for learners interested in diving into the intricate world of semiconductors and solid-state physics. This course is not only designed for enthusiasts and professionals but also qualifies for academic credit as ECEA 5630, making it a vital component of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree. This course serves as both a foundational and practical exploration of semiconductor theory, balancing essential concepts of quantum physics with their applications in electronic devices. By the end of the course, participants will gain a solid understanding of carrier behaviors in semiconductors, the energy band structures, and how these elements influence the functionality of various electronic devices. #### Course Syllabus Overview 1. **Quantum Theory Of Semiconductors** - The course kicks off with an introduction to quantum theory, focusing on topics essential to understanding semiconductors. This module covers everything from the types of solids, Bravais lattices, and point defects to energy levels in atoms and molecules, energy bands, and the fundamentals of what defines a semiconductor. Learners will delve into the concepts of electrons, holes, and effective mass—concepts that are crucial for grasping the behavior of carriers in semiconductor materials. 2. **Carrier Statistics** - Following the quantum foundations, this module addresses the statistical aspects of carriers within semiconductors. Topics such as the density of states, Fermi-Dirac statistics, and the concentrations of carriers in various semiconductor conditions (including intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors) are thoroughly discussed. Understanding these concepts is essential for anyone looking to work with semiconductor devices, as they dictate how materials behave under different conditions. 3. **Currents in Semiconductors** - The course then moves into the realm of currents in semiconductors. This module details how thermal motion and electric fields affect carrier behavior, covering vital topics such as drift current, mobility, conductivity, and the Van der Pauw technique. Such knowledge is indispensable for professionals involved with electronic design and material evaluation. 4. **Carrier Dynamics** - Lastly, the course explores the complex dynamics of carriers. Participants will learn about electronic transitions, radiative and non-radiative recombination processes, as well as the role of minority carrier lifetimes. This critical insight into carrier behavior is essential for understanding real-world applications like photodetectors, solar cells, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). #### Course Recommendations **Pros:** - **Comprehensive Content:** The course provides extensive insights into semiconductor physics, making it suitable for both beginners and those with prior knowledge in the subject. - **Practical Applications:** The balance between theoretical concepts and real-world applications helps in understanding how semiconductor physics is implemented in technologies we rely on daily. - **Academic Credit Option:** For those pursuing academic growth, the opportunity to earn academic credit as part of a master's program is a significant advantage. **Cons:** - **Complex Subject Matter:** Given the advanced nature of the topics, some learners may find certain modules challenging without prior background knowledge in physics or electrical engineering. - **Self-Paced Learning:** While self-paced learning is convenient, it requires strong self-discipline to keep up with the material and complete assignments on time. #### Conclusion I wholeheartedly recommend the **Semiconductor Physics** course on Coursera for anyone eager to expand their knowledge in semiconductor theory and its application in electronic devices. Whether you are pursuing a formal degree or simply wish to enhance your understanding of this critical field of study, this course offers invaluable resources and insights. The combination of comprehensive content, the option for academic credit, and the engagement with real-world applications make this course a standout choice for aspiring engineers and physicists alike. Enroll today, and take a significant step toward mastering the fascinating world of semiconductors!

Syllabus

Quantum Theory Of Semiconductors

In this module we will introduce the course and the Semiconductor Devices specialization. In addition, we will review the following topics: Type of solids, Bravais lattices, Lattice with basis, Point defects, Dislocation, Bulk crystal growth, Epitaxy, Energy levels of atoms and molecules, Energy bands of solids, Energy bands in real space, Energy bands in reciprocal lattice, Energy band structures of metal and insulator, Definition of semiconductor, Electrons and holes, and Effective mass.

In this module, we will cover carrier statistics. Topics include: Currents in semiconductors, Density of states, Fermi-Dirac probability function, Equilibrium carrier concentrations, Non-degenerate semiconductors, Intrinsic carrier concentration, Intrinsic Fermi level, Donor and acceptor impurities, Impurity energy levels, Carrier concentration in extrinsic semiconductor, and Fermi level of extrinsic semiconductors.

This module introduces you to currents in semiconductors. Topics we will cover include: Thermal motion of carriers, Carrier motion under electric field, Drift current, Mobility and conductivity, Velocity saturation, Diffusion of carriers, General expression for currents in semiconductor, Carrier concentration and mobility, and the Van der Pauw technique.

In this module we explore carrier dynamics. Topics include: Electronic transitions in semiconductor, Radiative transition, Direct and indirect bandgap semiconductors, Roosbroeck-Shockley relationship, Radiative transition rate at non-equilibrium, Minority carrier lifetime, Localized states, Recombination center and trap, Shockley-Hall-Reed recombination, Surface recombination, Auger recombination, Derivation of continuity equation, Non-equilibrium carrier concentration, Quasi-Fermi level, Current and quasi-Fermi level, Non-uniform doping, and Non-uniform bandgap.