Introduction to Semiconductor Physics and Devices

This textbook is a self-contained one-semester course in semiconductor physics and devices that provides a brief but comprehensive introduction to quantum physics and statistical physics,with derivations and explanations of the key facts suitable for second-year undergraduates. It is structured into three parts, each of which can be covered in around ten lectures, and covers fundamental background material such as quantum and statistical physics, elements of crystallography and band theory of solids, semiconductors in and out of equilibrium, and simple semiconductor devices. It also includes a wide range of exercises to help students consolidate and apply their knowledge.

Format: Hardback
Length: 323 pages
Publication date: 03 October 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive textbook offers a self-contained one-semester course in semiconductor physics and devices, providing an ideal foundation for students aspiring to enter the rapidly growing quantum industries. Unlike other texts on semiconductor device physics, it delves into a brief yet comprehensive introduction to quantum physics and statistical physics, offering derivations and explanations of key concepts suitable for second-year undergraduates. The book is organized into three parts, each covering fundamental background material, semiconductors in and out of equilibrium, and simple semiconductor devices.

The first part encompasses quantum and statistical physics, as well as elements of crystallography and band theory of solids. Concepts are explained and derived in greater detail than in comparable texts, with a focus on accessibility to second-year students. For instance, the concepts of measurement and collapse of the wave function, often omitted in similar texts, are presented in a language accessible to undergraduates.

The second part delves into semiconductors in and out of equilibrium, presenting unique details such as a derivation of the density of states using dimensional analysis and the calculation of ionized impurities from the grand canonical distribution. Special attention is given to solving the Poissons equation, a topic often feared by undergraduates, but approached with techniques and analogies from first-year physics.

In the third part, the material covered in parts 2 and 3 is applied to describe simple semiconductor devices, including the MOSFET, Schottky and PN-junction diodes, and optoelectronic devices. The textbook includes a wide range of exercises to reinforce understanding and application of the concepts.

With its classroom-tested approach and comprehensive coverage, this textbook is an invaluable resource for students pursuing a career in semiconductor physics and devices. It serves as a valuable companion for both undergraduate and graduate courses in the field.

Weight: 676g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031084577
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022