Fundamentals of Semiconductor Physics

This module provides an introduction to the electronic and optical properties of modern semiconductor materials and their associated nanostructures. After a contextual and historical motivation, it begins with an introduction to the different methods of fabrication used for ultrapure semiconductor materials, alloys and mixed crystal "multi-layer" systems. It describes how quantum mechanical effects can be exploited for novel device applications in electronics and opto-electronics. After this material properties of the most commonly used semiconductors, lattice vibrations and electronic bandstructure are discussed. Carrier statistics in intrinsic (undoped) semiconductors are then explored before discussing how doping can be used to controllably modify the electronic properties. Thereafter the semi-classical and quantum electronic properties of semiconductors are studied and it is describe how these charge transport properties can be controlled by tailored quantum phenomena.

After participation in the Module the student is able to:

1. Describe the crystal structure and recall the principle fabrication methods for the most prominent semiconductor materials
2. Explain and calculate the electronic bandstructure of these materials and its dependence on material composition.
3. Understand the terms "two-dimensional", "one-dimensional" and "zero-dimensional" semiconductor nanostructure and explain the influence of quantum confinement on the electronic properties of semiconductors.
4. Understand and explain the physics governing electrical conductivity in bulk semiconductors and low dimensional nanostructures.
5. Understand and explain magneto transport phenomena including the integer quantum Hall effect and
6. Understand and explain the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with semiconductors.

No prerequisites that are not already included in the prerequisites for the Master’s programmes.

lecture, beamer presentation, board work, exercises in individual and group work, discussion

lecture script, practise sheets, accompanying internet site, complementary literature

Standard-Lehrbücher der Halbleiterphysik, zum Beispiel:
J. H. Davies: The Physics of Low-Dimensional Semiconductors (Cambridge University Press, 1998),
M. Grundmann: Semiconductor Physics, (Cambridge University Press, 2006),
C. Weisbuch and B. Vinter: Quantum Semiconductor Structures, (Academic Press-1991),
T. Heinzel: Mesoscopic Electronics in Solid State Nanostructures, (Wiley VCH, 2003),
Bushan, Bharat (Editor): “Springer Handbook of Nanotechnology, (2nd revised and extended edition)

In an oral exam the learning outcome is tested using comprehension questions and sample problems.

In accordance with §12 (8) APSO the exam can be done as a written test. In this case the time duration is 60 minutes.