Semiconductor Physics from Coursera

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Syllabus

Quantum Theory Of Semiconductors

In this module we will introduce the course and the Semiconductor Devices specialization. In addition, we will review the following topics: Type of solids, Bravais lattices, Lattice with basis, Point defects, Dislocation, Bulk crystal growth, Epitaxy, Energy levels of atoms and molecules, Energy bands of solids, Energy bands in real space, Energy bands in reciprocal lattice, Energy band structures of metal and insulator, Definition of semiconductor, Electrons and holes, and Effective mass.

Carrier Statistics

In this module, we will cover carrier statistics. Topics include: Currents in semiconductors, Density of states, Fermi-Dirac probability function, Equilibrium carrier concentrations, Non-degenerate semiconductors, Intrinsic carrier concentration, Intrinsic Fermi level, Donor and acceptor impurities, Impurity energy levels, Carrier concentration in extrinsic semiconductor, and Fermi level of extrinsic semiconductors.

Currents in Semiconductor

This module introduces you to currents in semiconductors. Topics we will cover include: Thermal motion of carriers, Carrier motion under electric field, Drift current, Mobility and conductivity, Velocity saturation, Diffusion of carriers, General expression for currents in semiconductor, Carrier concentration and mobility, and the Van der Pauw technique.

Carrier Dynamics

In this module we explore carrier dynamics. Topics include: Electronic transitions in semiconductor, Radiative transition, Direct and indirect bandgap semiconductors, Roosbroeck-Shockley relationship, Radiative transition rate at non-equilibrium, Minority carrier lifetime, Localized states, Recombination center and trap, Shockley-Hall-Reed recombination, Surface recombination, Auger recombination, Derivation of continuity equation, Non-equilibrium carrier concentration, Quasi-Fermi level, Current and quasi-Fermi level, Non-uniform doping, and Non-uniform bandgap.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Builds a strong foundation for beginners on the topic of semiconductor properties

Balances theoretical explanations with practical applications in semiconductor devices

Covers essential concepts in semiconductor physics, making it suitable for students pursuing a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Taught by Wounjhang Park, an authority in semiconductor research and development at the University of Colorado Boulder

Introduces key concepts of quantum theory and their significance in understanding the behavior of carriers in semiconductors

This course is highly relevant for individuals seeking a comprehensive understanding of quantum theory and its applications in semiconductor devices

Reviews summary

Highly rated physics course with practical content

Learners say that Semiconductor Physics is a well-received course that provides a solid understanding of the subject. The course is engaging and well-structured, with clear explanations and practical assignments and homework problems. Students appreciate the knowledgeable instructor and the helpful course material. While some students noted that certain concepts were not covered in the videos, most learners found the course to be informative and effective.

Course material is interesting and keeps students engaged.

"Very interesting and well-structured"

"It was good .But the course was not very interactive because there were a few videos and after that an assignment and a long list of problems which could have been broken into parts for the better"

Course is organized and easy to follow.

"Well-structured course"

"This course is well-structured"

"The course structure is good"

Assignments and homework problems are useful for reinforcing concepts.

"The Assignment and Homework Problems are very interesting!"

"Great class. Some of the material isnt covered in the lecture."

"Very informative course and nice approach to solve problems. Well tailored course suited to under graduate engineering students"

Instructor is knowledgeable and presents the material clearly.

"Teacher is fantastic; makes every semiconductor concept simple to comprehend."

"Amazing course!! Teacher is fantastic"

"professor Wounjhang Park explanations were flawless"

Some concepts are not covered in the video lectures.

"The lectures (videos) were great, but the assignments required information NOT presented in lecture."

"The course was more than enough to provide introductory information to semiconductor physics. Even though the video lectures are well prepared, they do not include sufficient information to deal with some of the problems in the assignment and homework quizzes."

"Lecture material does not cover enough for solving some of the assignments."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Semiconductor Physics with these activities:

Organization of Class Materials

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Compile and organize your class materials to facilitate effective studying and retention.

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Organize your notes into a logical structure.
Create a study guide or summary of key concepts.
Keep your materials up-to-date with the course.

Review of Quantum Mechanics

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Refresh your knowledge of quantum mechanics to better understand the quantum nature of electrons in semiconductors.

Browse courses on Quantum Mechanics

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Review your notes from a previous quantum mechanics course.
Read introductory textbooks or articles on quantum mechanics.
Solve practice problems to test your understanding.

Review of Solid State Physics

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Review the fundamental concepts of solid state physics to enhance your understanding of the electronic properties of materials.

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Read the textbook chapters on the relevant topics.
Summarize the key concepts in your own words.
Complete the practice problems at the end of each chapter.

Four other activities

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Study Group on Carrier Dynamics

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Join a study group to discuss the concepts of carrier dynamics in semiconductors.

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Find a study group or create your own.
Meet regularly to discuss the course material.
Work together to solve problems and answer questions.

Workshop on Semiconductor Characterization Techniques

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Attend a workshop to learn about the experimental techniques used to characterize semiconductors.

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Attend the workshop.
Take notes during the presentations.
Ask questions to the speakers.
Discuss the techniques with other participants.

Semiconductor Device Simulation

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Practice simulating semiconductor devices to reinforce your understanding of carrier dynamics and device operation.

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Choose a semiconductor device simulation software.
Create a simple semiconductor device model.
Simulate the device operation under different conditions.
Analyze the simulation results and compare them with theoretical predictions.

Presentation on Band Structure Calculations

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Create a presentation to explain the methods used for calculating band structures of semiconductors.

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Research different band structure calculation methods.
Choose a method and implement it in a programming language.
Calculate the band structure of a simple semiconductor.
Create a presentation to explain your results.

Career center

Learners who complete Semiconductor Physics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Semiconductor Product Engineer

Semiconductor Product Engineers apply their knowledge of Semiconductor Physics to the development of new semiconductor products. This course would provide you with a foundational understanding of semiconductor concepts such as energy bands, carrier statistics, and carrier dynamics. This knowledge can help you to identify new product opportunities, develop specifications for new products, and troubleshoot production issues.

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Semiconductor Materials Scientist

Semiconductor Materials Scientists leverage their expertise of Semiconductor Physics to research and develop new semiconductor materials. This program would impart an understanding of how different physical properties of materials impact electrical characteristics. This knowledge can help you to improve the properties of existing materials, as well as design new materials with specific properties.

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Semiconductor Marketing Manager

Semiconductor Marketing Managers use their knowledge of Semiconductor Physics to market semiconductor devices to customers. This course would provide you with an understanding of the different types of semiconductor devices and their applications. This knowledge can help you to market semiconductor devices to customers and help them to understand the benefits of using semiconductor devices in their products.

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Semiconductor Device Designer

Semiconductor Device Designers apply their knowledge of Semiconductor Physics to the design of new semiconductor devices. This course would give you a solid foundation in the fundamental concepts of semiconductor physics, which is essential for understanding how semiconductor devices work. The course would also provide you with the skills you need to design new semiconductor devices with improved performance and reliability.

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Semiconductor Device Fabricator

Semiconductor Device Fabricators utilize their understanding of Semiconductor Physics to manufacture semiconductor devices. This program would give you the knowledge you need to understand the processes involved in semiconductor device fabrication. This knowledge can help you to improve the quality and yield of semiconductor devices.

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Semiconductor Failure Analyst

Semiconductor Failure Analysts use their knowledge of Semiconductor Physics to analyze the causes of semiconductor device failures. This course would provide you with a solid foundation in the fundamentals of semiconductor physics, which is essential for understanding how semiconductor devices work. The course would also provide you with the skills you need to analyze semiconductor device failures and identify the root cause.

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Semiconductor Quality Engineer

Semiconductor Quality Engineers apply their knowledge of Semiconductor Physics to ensure the quality of semiconductor devices. This program would provide you with an understanding of the quality control processes involved in semiconductor manufacturing. This knowledge can help you to improve the quality and reliability of semiconductor devices.

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Semiconductor Reliability Engineer

Semiconductor Reliability Engineers draw on their expertise of Semiconductor Physics to assess the reliability of semiconductor devices. This course would provide you with an understanding of the factors that affect the reliability of semiconductor devices. This knowledge can help you to develop new test methods and improve the reliability of semiconductor devices.

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Semiconductor Applications Engineer

Semiconductor Applications Engineers leverage their knowledge of Semiconductor Physics to help customers apply semiconductor devices in their products. This course would provide you with an understanding of the different types of semiconductor devices and their applications. This knowledge can help you to help customers select the right semiconductor devices for their products and applications.

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Semiconductor Business Analyst

Semiconductor Business Analysts apply their knowledge of Semiconductor Physics to analyze the semiconductor industry. This course would provide you with an understanding of the different types of semiconductor devices and their applications. This knowledge can help you to analyze the semiconductor industry and identify new opportunities for growth.

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Semiconductor Patent Attorney

Semiconductor Patent Attorneys use their knowledge of Semiconductor Physics to file and prosecute patents for semiconductor inventions. This course would provide you with an understanding of the different types of semiconductor devices and their applications. This knowledge can help you to file and prosecute patents for semiconductor inventions and help to protect the intellectual property of semiconductor companies.

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Semiconductor Investment Analyst

Semiconductor Investment Analysts leverage their knowledge of Semiconductor Physics to analyze semiconductor companies and make investment recommendations. This course would provide you with an understanding of the different types of semiconductor devices and their applications. This knowledge can help you to analyze semiconductor companies and make investment recommendations.

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Semiconductor Process Engineer

Semiconductor Process Engineers draw on their expertise of Semiconductor Physics to develop and improve semiconductor manufacturing processes. This program would provide you with an understanding of the physical and chemical processes involved in semiconductor manufacturing. This knowledge can help you to improve the efficiency and yield of semiconductor manufacturing processes.

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Semiconductor Industry Consultant

Semiconductor Industry Consultants apply their knowledge of Semiconductor Physics to consult with semiconductor companies on a variety of topics. This course would provide you with an understanding of the different types of semiconductor devices and their applications. This knowledge can help you to consult with semiconductor companies and help them to improve their business performance.

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Semiconductor Sales Engineer

Semiconductor Sales Engineers apply their knowledge of Semiconductor Physics to sell semiconductor devices to customers. This course would provide you with an understanding of the different types of semiconductor devices and their applications. This knowledge can help you to sell semiconductor devices to customers and help them to understand the benefits of using semiconductor devices in their products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Semiconductor Sales Engineer