Fundamentals of semiconductor physics and a few examples of semiconductor devices. Basics of quantum-confined nanostructures. A few examples of nanostructure- based devices of interest for optoelectronics and quantum computation.
B.Sapoval, C.Hermann:Physics of Semiconductors (Springer-Verlag 1995)
M.Grundmann:The Physics of Semiconductors (Springer 2006)
P.Harrison: Quantum wells, Wires and Dots (Wiley 2005)
Learning Objectives
Basics of semiconductor physics and nanostructure physics. Principle of operation of junction and heterojunction devices.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of Quantum Mechanics and Physics of Matter Fundamentals
Teaching Methods
6 CFU
Plenary lectures: 48 hours
Further information
A lecture will be given in a spectroscopy laboratory where semiconductors are investigated with state-of- art- setups.
Office hours: by appointment from Monday to Friday
Website: Moodle Platform http://e-l.unifi.it/
Type of Assessment
Oral exam integrated with a short lecture on a specific topic
Course program
Bloch Theorem. Semiconductor band structure. Intrinsic semiconductor. The concept of hole and its properties. Substitutional impurities and doping. Fermi statistics. Drude model. Diffusion. Optical properties. The p-n junction. Metal-semiconductor and MOS junction. Heterojunctions and bandgap engineering. Quantum confined structures. Quantum wells, wires and dots. Electronic states in nanostructures. A few examples of nanostructure-based devices: single photon emitter and tunnel-effect devices. Graphene and carbon nanotubes: main characteristics.