An introduction to semiconductors - 2AMPH260

Goal(s)

To be able to make the connection between the electronic band structure of a semiconductor (SC) and its crystal structure.
To be able to interpret a global representation of an atom in terms of energy band.
To be able to make a differentiation between insulator, semiconductor and metal based on the electronic band structure of such materials.
To be able to understand why a semiconductor is doped. To know how to interpret the energy band induced by doping.
To be able to associate an energy band to different carriers present in an extrinsic SC.
To be able to calculate the carrier densities present in an intrinsic and extrinsic SC.
To be able to model the transport phenomena present in an extrinsic SC due to an external perturbation.
To be able to explain how a PN junction operates.
To be able to make the link between the macroscopic (nonlinear behavior) and microscopic behavior of a PN junction.

Content(s)

I. Fundamentals of semiconductors
Crystalline structure
Electronic band in semiconductors
Intrinsic semiconductor in thermodynamic equilibrium
Extrinsic semiconductor in thermodynamic equilibrium
II. Non-equilibrium Electrical Properties of Semiconductors
Small perturbations of the equilibrium
III. PN junction
Junction at thermodynamic equilibrium
Non-equilibrium junction

Practical use of diodes and transistors. Local ohm’s law, electrostatic forces (PH121 - Electrostatic-Magnetostatics), energy concepts, Notions of electromotive forces.