Semiconductors and Nanostructures

Year
1
Academic year
2023-2024
Code
02003034
Subject Area
Physics
Language of Instruction
Portuguese
Other Languages of Instruction
English
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-face
Duration
SEMESTRIAL
ECTS Credits
6.0
Type
Elective
Level
2nd Cycle Studies - Mestrado

Recommended Prerequisites

Basic knowledge in Condensed Matter Physics.

Teaching Methods

Some of the topics will be taught in expositive lessons, others will be offered to the student for independent development, after a brief introduction in class. Students will make a set of laboratory work in the area. Students should consult specialized literature on some of the topics covered by the program.

Learning Outcomes

Main learning outcomes:
Detailed knowledge of physics (semiconductors and their technological applications). Theoretical understanding of physical phenomena (including the description of the quantum properties of matter).
Problem solving in this specific area.

Other learning outcomes:
Development of laboratory skills, namely on the measurement of the electric properties of semiconductors, including manipulation of instrumentation such as lock-in amplifiers, electrometers, etc.

Ability to search for and use bibliographic references.

Becoming acquainted with the frontiers of research in semiconductors and applications.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Introduction to semiconductor materials.
Electrons and holes. Efective mass. Electronic band structure.
Statistics of charge carriers.
Dynamics of electrons and holes in applied electrical and magnetic fields. Electric conduction and scattering mechanisms. Thermoelectric properties.
Conduction in magnetic fields: cyclotron ressonance, Hall effect, magnetoresistance.
Conduction in high magnetic fields (hot electrons).
Optical properties. Fundamental absorption. Interband excitons assisted by phonons. Excitons by free charge carriers. Photoconductivity.
Diffusion. Fick's law, Einstein's relation.
Semicondutor devices.
P-n junction. Rectifying properties of the p-n junction.
Zenner diodes, tunnel diodes and Gunn diodes.
LEDS and lasers. Photovoltaic cells and photodiodes.
Junction transistor and FETs.
Interface metal/semicondutor. Schotkky diodes and MOSFETs.
Heterostructures. Quantum dots and wells. Super-lattices.
Nanotechnologies.

Head Lecturer(s)

José António de Carvalho Paixão

Assessment Methods

Assessment 1
Laboratory work or Field work: 40.0%
Exam: 60.0%

Assessment 2
Laboratory work or Field work: 40.0%
Frequency: 60.0%

Bibliography

Physics of Semiconductors - an introduction including nano physics and applications, 2nd edition, M. Grundmann, Springer (2010)  ISBN: 3642138837

Band theory and the electronic properties of solids, J. Singleton, Oxford University Press (2001) ISBN: 0198506449

Optical properties of solids, 2nd edition Mark Fox, Oxford University Press (2010) ISBN: 0199573379

Solid State Physics, N.W. Ashcroft, D. Mermin, Holt-Sanders (1976) ISBN: 0030839939

Physics of Semiconductor Devices, M. Shur, Prentice-Hall International, Inc. (1990) ISBN: 0136667023.