ELEC2201 Devices
Module Overview
Semiconductor device technology has evolved beyond computation applications and is now increasingly being used in quantum electronics, lighting, lasers, high speed communications, photovoltaic energy harvesters, smart electronics for the Internet of Things, and sensing for healthcare and the environment. Semiconductor devices are not solely confined to silicon technology but include Group III-V compounds, such as gallium arsenide and indium gallium arsenide as well as other materials such silicon-germanium alloys, zinc oxide, molybdenum selenide and graphene. The next generation of semiconductor technologies will demand the knowledge and understanding to explore device platforms for new integrated circuit concepts and fabrication methods. ELEC2201 Devices will cover 3 main parts; (i) physical principles of the operation of semiconductor devices; (ii) semiconductor electronics and (iii) semiconductor optoelectronics. The module builds on ELEC1205 Solid States Devices, some parts of which will be revisited and so students should re-acquaint themselves with the theory of semiconductor materials including band energy diagrams, carrier concentrations and the concepts of doping and p-n junction formation. Throughout the course, undergraduates are encouraged to read beyond the lecture materials provided and the core text books.
Aims and Objectives
Module Aims
This module aims at providing students with an understanding of the physical principles underlying the operation of semiconductor electronic and optoelectronic devices, and to give a thorough exposition of semiconductor technology.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The basic operation of the most important semiconductor devices (e.g. p-n diode)
- How to design features that determine semiconductor device characteristics
- How semiconductor properties limitations influence device operation
- The improvement of semiconductor device performances by fabrication process
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the many and diverse aspects that relate to the operation and exploitation of semiconductor devices
- Appreciate semiconductor device technology that revolutionise the electronic industry
- Differentiate the semiconductor devices for different electronic and photonic applications
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Demonstrate the basic skills in semiconductor device engineering for integrated electronic or photonic circuit application
- Understand the issues with semiconductor devices and the challenges for future electronic components
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Investigate the characteristics and performance of different semiconductor devices
- Design, model and analyse a number of semiconductor device types
Syllabus
Review of Semiconductor Device and Technology P-N Junction to Device Technology MOSFETs and CMOS - Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor and Metal-Semiconductor Interface - MOS and MOSFET characteristics: Capacitance, Output Current and Threshold - Enhancement and Depletion mode operation - MOSFET scaling issues - CMOS technology - Future of MOS and MOSFETs - MOS related devices – Thin Film Transistor, Nanowire FETs - Fabrication of MOSFETs Introduction to Bipolar Junction Transistors - Review of BJTs - BJT characteristics - n-p-n and p-n-p BJT operation - Gain and frequency response - BJT technologies - HBTs Solar Cells (Lectures, Lab and coursework) - Review of solar cells - Solar cell characteristics - Quantum efficiency - Thin film photovoltaics - Solar cell fabrication Optoelectronic Devices - Optical properties of semiconductor - Optical p-n junction devices - Radiative transition in semiconductor - Light Emitting Devices - Spectral response and emission efficiency - LASER - Gain charcateristics and laser modes - Photodetectors - Integrated photonic device applications Quantum- and Nano- technologies - Schrödinger and quantum wells - Quantum electronic and photonic devices
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures, Lab, Coursework and Tutorials
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Tutorial | 6 |
| Wider reading or practice | 64 |
| Completion of assessment task | 10 |
| Lecture | 30 |
| Follow-up work | 15 |
| Revision | 10 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 15 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
G. J. Parker (2004). Introductory Semiconductor Device Physics.
Laboratory space and equipment required. Laboratory equipment for solar cells experiment
S. O. Kasap (2001). Optoelectronics and Photonics: Principles and Practices.
S. M. Sze (2002). Semiconductor Devices: Physics and Technology.
B. Streetman & S. Banerjee. Solid State Semiconductor Devices.
Assessment
Summative
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework | 10% |
| Exam (2 hours) | 85% |
| Laboratory | 5% |
Referral
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Exam | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External
Linked modules
Pre-requisite: ELEC1205