Semiconductor Fundamentals

Learning Objective:

After completing this course, you will be able to:

• Describe basic semiconductor materials properties, such as crystal structure, bandgap, effective mass, etc.
• Explain the behavior of electrons and holes in semiconductors
• Simplify the set of equations to specific problems
• Draw and interpret energy band diagrams

Description:

This course is broadly accessible to students in any branch of science or engineering who would like to understand basic semiconductor physics. Those who use semiconductor devices will gain an understanding of the physics that underlies the operation of devices. Semiconductor technology developers may find it a useful starting point for diving deeper into condensed matter physics, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials science.

The course presents an electrical engineering perspective on semiconductors, but those in other fields may find it a useful introduction to the approach that has guided the development of semiconductor technology for more than 50 years. The treatment is physical and intuitive, and not heavily mathematical.

Topics Covered:

Unit 1: Materials Properties and Doping

Unit 2: Rudiments of Quantum Mechanics

Unit 3: Equilibrium Carrier Concentrations

Unit 4: Carrier Transport, Recombination, and Generation

Unit 5: The Semiconductor Equations

Prerequisites:

A basic knowledge of undergraduate physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Including basic differential equations is assumed.

Web Address:

https://purdue.brightspace.com

Homework:

Short Problems: A short problem is provided after most lectures. These problems are not graded.

Homework Assignments: The homework provided in this course is for your information and practice. Solutions are provided.

Practice Exams: Practice exams have been provided to help prepare for the proctored exams.

Quizzes: Multiple-choice quizzes will follow most lectures to assess your understanding of the material. These quizzes are worth 30% of your course grade.

Exams:

There are two online proctored exams in this course. Each exam is worth 35% of the course grade.

Textbooks:

A link to a textbook is provided in the Brightspace course: 

• Lundstrom, M. (2021) Semiconductor Fundamentals (draft)
• Those who wish to dive deeper may consult this text: Advanced Semiconductor Fundamentals, (2nd edition) by R.F. Pierret, Pearson Education, Inc., 2003 [ISBN 0-13-061792-X (paperback)]

Computer Requirements:

Students are expected to have access to reliable high-speed internet, a working microphone, and camera for the proctored exams.