semiconductor physics and Devices

 Semester 1: Fundamentals of Semiconductor Physics

Course Outline: Semiconductor Physics and Devices (First Semester)

Instructor:
Course Title: Semiconductor Physics and Devices
Semester: First Semester
Duration: 15 weeks

Week 1-2: Crystal Structure

• Introduction to crystal structures

• Lattices, basis, and unit cells

• Bravais lattices

• Common crystal structures (SC, BCC, FCC, HCP)

• X-ray diffraction and Bragg's Law

Week 3-4: Reciprocal Lattice

• Reciprocal lattice and its properties

• Diffraction conditions in reciprocal space

• Ewald construction

• Structure factor

Week 5-6: Bonding in Solids

• Types of bonds: ionic, covalent, metallic, van der Waals, hydrogen bonding

• Cohesive energy

• Madelung constant

Week 7-8: Lattice Vibrations

• Vibrations of monatomic and diatomic lattices

• Phonons and dispersion relations

• Acoustic and optical modes

• Density of states and heat capacity (Debye and Einstein models)

Week 9-10: Thermal Properties of Solids

• Classical and quantum theories of heat capacity

• Debye model, phonon contribution to heat capacity

• Thermal conductivity of solids

• Anharmonic effects and thermal expansion

Week 11-12: Free Electron Theory of Metals

• Drude model of electrical conduction

• Sommerfeld model and quantum treatment of free electrons

• Fermi energy and heat capacity of free electrons

• Electrical and thermal conductivity

Week 13-14: Energy Bands

• Nearly free electron model

• Origin of energy bands

• Bloch theorem and band structure

• Metals, semiconductors, and insulators

Week 15-16: Final  Exam & Review

• Final  term exam covering Weeks 1-14

• Review and reinforcement of key concepts