EE566 Solid State Devices

Spring semester, 2004

MWF 9:35 – 10:25 am, 244 DeBartolo

Office Hours: TBA

Course description

In this class, we will study the physics and technology of various semiconductor-based electronic and optical devices. I will place a strong emphasis on the ability to draw accurate band diagrams. We will begin with a detailed study of the properties of various types of junctions (p-n junctions, heterojunctions, metal-semiconductor junctions) and how current flows across them. This will lead us naturally to the various electronic devices such as Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs and the many variants), and Field Effect Transistors (FETs and the many variants). The course will culminate with an analysis of the most basic optical devices, the Light Emitting Diode (LED). The importance of miniaturization and heterostructures in modern high-speed devices will be emphasized throughout. I encourage questions and discussion in and out of the class.

Course information

Course philosophy

Software and Simulations

Examinations and grading

25% Assignments (one every week)

20% 1^st Mid Term

25% 2^nd Mid Term

30% Final Exam

Syllabus/Text/References

The required text for the class is -

Physics of Semiconductor Devices

Michael Shur, Prentice Hall

It is a comprehensive textbook, written by a current leader in the field of device research. Great exercises, but the figures could be better drawn.

The suggested references are -

Fundamentals of VLSI devices

Taur and Ning, Cambridge University Press

Very comprehensive and well written textbook, but limits itself to Silicon based electronic devices. I highly recommend it as an accompanying text.

Physics of Semiconductor Devices

Simon Sze, Wiley

A classic. Very encyclopedic; an excellent handbook for practicing device engineers.

Class Notes

Every class, I will hand out handwritten notes so that it is easy for you to follow what is taught. I will post typed notes for the topics I prefer presenting in ways different from the textbook/references. I will also provide handouts and photocopies when required.

No.	Topic	Date posted
1.	1^st Handout PN Junctions: Looking under the rug	02/13/2004
2.	2^nd Handout	../../2004
3.	3^rd Handout	../../2004

Assignments

Problems in the assignment are designed for you to solve on your own. Many of the problems are carefully designed to emphasize the concepts rather than crunching numbers. Discussion of problems amongst yourself and with the instructor is encouraged. However, the solutions have to be your own. Deadlines are strictly enforced. Turn in your assignment solutions by 5pm of the due date in the instructor’s mailbox at 275 Fitzpatrick. I will assign one assignment per week. Please print out the problem sheet and attach it on top of your solution with your name and email address. Please do not turn in your scratch papers – write up the final solution neatly and BOX your final answers wherever appropriate.

No.	Topic	Date posted	Date Due	Solutions
1.	1^st Assignment: Review of semiconductor physics	01/13/2004	01/23/2004	Solution 1
2.	2^nd Assignment: Drift, Diffusion, Einstein’s relation	01/23/2004	01/30/2004	Solution 2
3.	3^rd Assignment: p-n junctions: Good, Bad, and Ugly	01/30/2004	02/06/2004	Solution 3
4.	4^th Assignment: p-n junctions: Long, Short, and Funny	02/06/2004	02/13/2004	Solution 4
5.	5^th Assignment: Heterojunctions and Solar Cells	02/29/2004	03/15/2004	Solution 5
6.	6^th Assignment: R-G currents and Bipolar Transistors	03/15/2004	03/19/2004	Solution 6
7.	7^th Assignment: HJⁿ currents and graded-base HBTs	03/20/2004	03/26/2004	Solution 7
8.	8^th Assignment: Collector transit time and Kirk effect	03/26/2004	04/02/2004	Solution 8
9.	9^th Assignment: Mott diodes, FETs, and Moore’s law	04/04/2004	04/10/2004	Solution 9
10.	10^th Assignment: MESFETs, HEMTs and MOSFETs	04/18/2004	04/26/2004	Solution 10

Exams

No.	Exam	Date posted	Date Due	Solutions
1.	1^st Mid Term (02/18/04)	02/20/2004	02/25/2004	Solution
2.	2^nd Mid Term (03/29/04)	../../2004	../../2004	Solution
3.	Final Exam (05/04/04)	../../2004	../../2004	Solution

This page is maintained by: Debdeep Jena (djena@nd.edu)

Last updated: 05/09/2004