Ateneo - UPO

Microscopic understanding of the fundamental physical properties of semiconductors and the technological-applicative aspects related to them. Starting from the atomic characteristics of semiconductors, we will arrive at the understanding of the electronic, vibrational and optical properties of semiconductors with particular attention to the problems related to charge transport in semiconductors at equilibrium and out of equilibrium. These notions will then be used to explain the properties of heterojunctions and some elementary junctions.

1) Luciano Colombo - Fisica dei Semiconduttori ,Zanichelli 2018 - ISBN 978-88-08-52054-8
2) Mario Guzzi – Principi di Fisica dei Semiconduttori, hoepli 2004 - ISBN: 88-203-3381-3
3) Simon M. Sze, Yiming Li, Kwok K. Ng - Physics of Semiconductor Devices, 4th Edition, Wiley 2021 - ISBN: 9781119618003

To make the student able to independently deal with the reading of specialized texts related to theoretical and experimental problems related to semiconductor physics. The student will have to acquire the ability to understand and interpret the theoretical models covered by these texts and to communicate the results of the measurements and simulations presented in these documents.

Topics developed in the courses "Physics I", "Physics II", "Quantum Mechanics", "Structure of Matter, Statistical Mechanics and Laboratory".

Frontal teaching on the blackboard with computer support. Exercises and problems on the blackboard, collegial discussion of assigned exercises. Collegial reading of scientific articles on the topics of the course.

Monitoring the learning process: this will be achieved by posing questions to students during lectures and laboratory practice. Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities. Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Oral exam on the topics covered during the course with presentation and subsequent discussion of a scientific publication chosen from those proposed by the teacher. To pass the test, the student must demonstrate, through a presentation and subsequent discussion, that he/she knows and has understood the basic concepts of the course and that he/she is able to use them to independently face the reading of a scientific article on the topics of the course. Excellence is achieved if the student demonstrates during the presentation that he has reached a level of knowledge and ability adequate to understand and expose in depth the specific topic covered by the publication, demonstrating that he is able to answer clearly and comprehensively to all the questions asked during the oral exam.

Semiconductor materials and the limits of classical physics -Crystal structure and covalent bonding - Intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors - Lattice vibrations and phonons - Energy bands in semiconductors -Effective mass -Statistics of charge carriers - Charge transport: drift and diffusion - Thermal out-of-equilibrium semiconductors - Magnetostransport and transport in nanostructured semiconductors - Optical properties of semiconductors - p-n junction - Metal Semiconductor junction - Heterojunctions.

Knowledge and understanding of the theoretical bases of semiconductor physics - Ability to apply knowledge and understanding - Transfer from the theoretical context to the practical context of the application of the techniques learned within the physical fields covered by this degree - Communication skills - Learning skills - Acquisition of a good command of the fundamentals of semiconductor physics so as to be able to expand one's knowledge in the continuation of studies. This course contributes to the learning objectives of the Silicon Energy and Technology profile.