Física e Tecnologia dos Semicondutores

Objectives

Understanding the basics of semiconductor physics and semiconductor devices along with their real life applications. Several characterization and microfabrication techniques related to current semiconductor research and technology will be explored.

Syllabus

I. Structure of crystalline solids: Crystalline structures. Chemical bonds. Semiconductor materials. Growth methods. II. Band theory and doping: Charge carriers. Dispersion relation. Effective mass. Energy gap. Density of states. Fermi level. Fermi function. Doping. Thermal equilibrium. III. Absorption. Recombination IV. Transport properties: Drift and diffusion. Einstein relation. Mobility. V. pn-junction: Shockley equation. pn-junction diode. Solar cells. Photodiodes. Particle detectors. VI. Semiconductor-Metal Junction: Schottky Contacts. Ohmic contacts. Schottky Diode. VII. Transistors: Bipolar junction transistor. Field Effect Transistor (FET). Metal oxide semiconductor structures - MOSFET. VIII. Microfabrication. IX. Advanced Semiconductor Devices.

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge in quantum mechanics and solid state physics.

Cross Competence Component

The UC allows the development of transversal competences on - CRITICAL THINKING, namely strategic thinking and problem solving approaches for laboratory works and presentations; - INTERPERSONAL SKILLS through teamwork and training of written (reports) and oral (presentation) communication; - INTRAPERSONAL SKILLS (self-discipline, perseverance, self-motivation, time management skills during autonomous work); - INFORMATION AND MEDIA LITERACY by searching scientific literature on a subject related to the curricular unit, the management of these contents and the structuring and formatting of reports and oral presentation. These aspects will have a weight of ca. 20% in the final evaluation.

Laboratorial Component

The curricular unit has a considerable component of laboratory work in research laboratories of the Laboratório de Aceleradores e Tecnologias de Radiação (LATR) and INESC Microsistemas e Nanotecnologias (INESC-MN): - Optical, electrical and structural semiconductor characterization techniques: optical spectroscopy, I-V characteristics, X-ray diffraction, ion beam analysis. - Microfabrication of devices: Lithography. Ion implantation. Deposition of thin films and electrical contacts. Patterning of 3D structures.

Programming And Computing Component

The laboratory work includes a significant component of data analysis and simulation.

Ethical Principles

All members of a group are responsible for the group’s work In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used. In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.