Semiconductor physics and light-matter interaction

Summary

Lectures on the fundamental aspects of semiconductor physics and the main properties of the p-n junction that is at the heart of devices like LEDs & laser diodes. The last part deals with light-matter interaction phenomena in bulk semiconductors such as absorption, spontaneous & stimulated emission.

Content

Learning Prerequisites

Recommended courses

Solid State Physics I and II (Bachelor), Quantum Electrodynamics and Quantum Optics (Master)

Quantum physics I and II (Bachelor)

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

• Explain - the main electronic and optical properties of bulk semiconductors (band structure, doping, absorption, excitonic features) that are behind the first quantum revolution (transistors, LEDs and laser diodes)
• Identify - the main criteria governing the I-V characteristics of the p-n junction and explain its departure from ideality (role of defects and Joule heating)
• Classify - semiconductors depending on their doping level (non-degenerate vs degenerate semiconductors)
• Compute - the Shockley-Read-Hall term, the bimolecular recombination coefficient and the Auger term entering into the ABC model
• Compute - the absorption spectrum of direct bandgap bulk semiconductors
• Compute - the radiative lifetime of a 2-level system and that of a direct bandgap bulk semiconductor
• Explain - the main properties of tunnel diodes and solar cells

Transversal skills

• Give feedback (critique) in an appropriate fashion.
• Make an oral presentation.
• Demonstrate a capacity for creativity.
• Demonstrate the capacity for critical thinking
• Assess one's own level of skill acquisition, and plan their on-going learning goals.
• Summarize an article or a technical report.

Teaching methods

Ex cathedra with exercises

Expected student activities

Weekly graded homeworks to secure 1 point out of 6 (16.6% of the final grade)

Read the bibliographical ressources in order to fully integrate and properly use the physical concepts seen in the lectures and the exercices

Assessment methods

Written exam (with 1 point out of 6 earned via compulsory weekly homeworks (16.6%))

Supervision

Resources

Bibliography

S. M. Sze, "Physics of semiconductor devices" 2nd edition (or > 2nd ed.)  (John Whiley & Sons, New York, 1981)

P. Y. Yu and M. Cardona, "Fundamentals of Semiconductors, Physics and Materials Properties" 2nd edition (or > 2nd ed.) (Springer, Berlin, 1999)

N. W. Ashcroft and N. D. Mermin, "Solid State Physics" (Saunders College Publishing, Fort Worth, 1976)

E. Rosencher and B. Vinter, "Optoelectronics" (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2002)

Ressources en bibliothèque

• E. Rosencher and B. Vinter, "Optoelectronics"
• P. Y. Yu and M. Cardona, "Fundamentals of Semiconductors, Physics and Materials Properties" 2nd edition (or > 2nd ed.) (Springer, Berlin, 1999)
• S. M. Sze, "Physics of semiconductor devices" 2nd edition (or > 2nd ed.) (John Whiley & Sons, New York, 1981)
• N. W. Ashcroft and N. D. Mermin, "Solid State Physics" (Saunders College Publishing, Fort Worth, 1976)

Moodle Link

• https://go.epfl.ch/PHYS-433