Solid State Electr. & Semiconductor Devices

The operation of modern semiconductor devices is underpinned by a good knowledge of the physics of solid-state materials and electronics. This module is motivated by the need to link physical models with modern device operation. The module uses basic quantum mechanical physical principles to explain the properties of materials of interest in electronic engineering practice. A knowledge of the bonding between atoms is essential to understand the behavior of solids and their electronic properties, which distinguish conductors from semiconductors and insulators. These impact on the electronic properties of materials, which in turn control the operation of electronic devices currently used and under development. Building on this foundation of solid-state physics the module introduces the student to the basic parameters which control the behavior of electronic devices, such as diodes, bipolar transistors, MOSFETs and lasers. The phenomena which occur in non-idealized devices are studied and the behavior of real devices is examined in the light of these phenomena.