Physics of Semiconductor Devices
615.760

Course Description
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 p-n junction; the junction transistor; surface effects; the MIS diode; and the MOSFET.

Syllabus

1. Overview-Semiconductor Fundamentals
2. Device Physics-Current Transport, Diffusion Theory
3. Bipolar Devices-pn junction, breakdown
4. Bipolar Devices-diode types, structures, fabrication
5. Bipolar Devices-HF Diodes, LEDs, SC Lasers
6. Bipolar Devices-Photodetectors, Solar Cells
7. Bipolar Devices-Junction Transistor, Current Models
8. Bipolar Devices-HF Transistor Properties, Noise, Cut-off
9. Unipolar Devices-Schottky Barrier, Ohmic Contact
10. Unipolar Devices-The MOS Capacitor
11. Unipolar Devices-MOSFET
12. Unipolar Devices-MESFETs,J-FETs, Scaling
13. Other Devices-CCDs, SAWs
14. Final Examination

Prerequisites
615.454 Quantum Mechanics or the equivalent

Instructor
Harry K. Charles, Jr. is the Assistant Department Head for Engineering in the Technical Services Department at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). Dr. Charles is a member of the Principal Professional Staff at APL and is a specialist in solid state physics, semiconductor devices, electronic materials and packaging. He is a fellow of both the IEEE and the International Microelectronics and Packaging Society.

Textbook
High Speed Semiconductor Devices by S.M.Sze

Return to AP Courses | Applied Physics | Part-Time Engineering

June 1998