Semiconductor Physics (Coursera)

Semiconductor Physics Coursera Online Course Overview

Semiconductor Physics Coursera course introduces basic concepts of the quantum theory of solids and presents the theory describing the carrier behaviours in semiconductors. The course balances fundamental physics with application to semiconductors and other electronic devices.

At the end of this course learners will be able to:

• Understand the energy band structures and their significance in the electric properties of solids
• Analyze the carrier statistics in semiconductors
• Analyze the carrier dynamics and the resulting conduction properties of semiconductors

Course Syllabus

WEEK 1 – Quantum Theory Of Semiconductors

In this module, we will introduce the course and the Semiconductor Devices specialization. In addition, we will review the following topics: Type of solids, Bravais lattices, Lattice with basis, Point defects, Dislocation, Bulk crystal growth, Epitaxy, Energy levels of atoms and molecules, Energy bands of solids, Energy bands in real space, Energy bands in the reciprocal lattice, Energy band structures of metal and insulator, Definition of semiconductor, Electrons and holes, and Effective mass.

WEEK 2 – Carrier Statistics

In this module, we will cover carrier statistics. Topics include Currents in semiconductors, Density of states, Fermi-Dirac probability function, Equilibrium carrier concentrations, Non-degenerate semiconductors, Intrinsic carrier concentration, Intrinsic Fermi level, Donor and acceptor impurities, Impurity energy levels, the Carrier concentration in extrinsic semiconductor, and Fermi level of extrinsic semiconductors.

WEEK 3 – Currents in Semiconductor

This module introduces you to currents in semiconductors. Topics we will cover include: Thermal motion of carriers, Carrier motion under electric field, Drift current, Mobility and conductivity, Velocity saturation, Diffusion of carriers, General expression for currents in semiconductors, Carrier concentration and mobility, and the Van der Pauw technique.

WEEK 4 – Carrier Dynamics

In this module, we explore carrier dynamics. Topics include Electronic transitions in semiconductors, Radiative transition, Direct and indirect bandgap semiconductors, Roosbroeck-Shockley relationship, Radiative transition rate at non-equilibrium, Minority carrier lifetime, Localized states, Recombination centre and trap, Shockley-Hall-Reed recombination, Surface recombination, Auger recombination, Derivation of the continuity equation, Non-equilibrium carrier concentration, Quasi-Fermi level, Current and quasi-Fermi level, Non-uniform doping, and Non-uniform bandgap.

Course Instructor

• Wounjhang Park