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
1. Electronic properties of semiconductors
- Crystalline structures and energy band diagrams: essential features
- Impurities and doping
- Carrier statistics in equilibrium and out-of-equilibrium
- Electron transport in weak and strong fields
- Generation and recombination processes
2. Theory of junctions and interfaces
- p-n and metal-semiconductor junctions
- Heterojunction interfaces
3. Light-matter interaction in semiconductors
- Fermi's golden rule, absorption, optical susceptibility, Bernard-Duraffourg condition (optical gain condition)
- Spontaneous and stimulated emission of radiation
- Dielectric function, optical constants
- Radiative lifetime, photoluminescence spectra
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
Office hours | Yes |
Assistants | Yes |
Others | Office hours: appointments to be arranged by emails. |
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
In the programs
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Written (winter session)
- Subject examined: Semiconductor physics and light-matter interaction
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Written (winter session)
- Subject examined: Semiconductor physics and light-matter interaction
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Written (winter session)
- Subject examined: Semiconductor physics and light-matter interaction
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Written (winter session)
- Subject examined: Semiconductor physics and light-matter interaction
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Written (winter session)
- Subject examined: Semiconductor physics and light-matter interaction
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Written (winter session)
- Subject examined: Semiconductor physics and light-matter interaction
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Written (winter session)
- Subject examined: Semiconductor physics and light-matter interaction
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Written (winter session)
- Subject examined: Semiconductor physics and light-matter interaction
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Written (winter session)
- Subject examined: Semiconductor physics and light-matter interaction
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Written (winter session)
- Subject examined: Semiconductor physics and light-matter interaction
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional