The Physics of Semiconductors

Abstract

Semiconductor electronics is commonplace in every household. Semiconductor devices have enabled economically reasonable fiber-based optical communication, optical storage, and high-frequency amplification and have recently revolutionized photography, display technology, and lighting. By now solar energy harvesting with photovoltaics contributes a significant portion to the energy mix. Along with these tremendous technological developments, semiconductors have changed the way we work, communicate, entertain, and think. The technological progress of semiconductor materials and devices is evolving continuously with a large worldwide effort in human and monetary capital. For students, semiconductors offer a rich and exciting field with a great tradition, offering diverse fundamental and applied topics [1] and a bright future. This book introduces students to semiconductor physics and semiconductor devices. It brings them to the point where they can specialize and enter supervised laboratory research. It is based on the two-semester semiconductor physics course taught at Universität Leipzig in its Master of Science physics curriculum. Since the book can be followed with little or no pre-existing knowledge in solid-state physics and quantum mechanics, it is also suitable for undergraduate students. For the interested reader several additional topics are included in the book that can be covered in subsequent, more specialized courses. The material is selected to provide a balance between aspects of solid-state and semiconductor physics, the concepts of various semiconductor devices and modern applications in electronics and photonics.