Light Emitting Diodes and Semiconductor Lasers from Coursera

This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5605, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.

LEDs and Semiconductor Lasers Course Introduction

You will learn about semiconductor light emitting diodes (LEDs) and lasers, and the important rules for their analysis, planning, design, and implementation. You will also apply your knowledge through challenging homework problem sets to cement your understanding of the material and prepare you to apply in your career.

Course Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course you will be able to…

(1) Design a semiconductor light emitting diode and analyze efficiency

(2) Design a semiconductor laser

(3) Choose suitable semiconductor materials for light emitting devices

What's inside

Syllabus

Semiconductor fundamentals

Light emitting diodes and semiconductor lasers is a really special course, and probably one of my favorite. In it, you will learn the fundamental operating principles, design, fabrication techniques and applications of two of the most widely used light emitting devices in the world today - light emitting diodes and semiconductor lasers. For module 1, I am really looking forward to introducing you to the magical world of semiconductors. In this module, we will review the basics of semiconductor physics and you will learn how we can manipulate the materials to tailor electrical and optical properties.

Radiative recombination in semiconductors

In the last module, we learned about the basics of semiconductor physics. In this module, we will apply this knowledge to understand how semiconductors emit light, and the basis for optoelectronic devices such as lasers and light emitting diodes.

Light Emitting Diode (LED)

In the last module, we learned about how semiconductors can emit light. In this module, we will apply this knowledge to learn about the basics of light emitting diodes. These devices are everywhere you turn and you now have the tools to develop a complete understanding of their operation.

Fundamentals of semiconductor lasers

In the last module, we learned about light emitting diodes or LEDs. Now, we will use our knowledge of semiconductors and in particular, radiative recombination, to tackle an even more powerful device, the semiconductor laser. This technology is probably the most successful laser technology of our time, with every compact disc player incorporating a 6-cent semiconductor laser. I hope you enjoy this unit as much as I do.

semiconductor laser design principles

In the last module, we learned about the basics of semiconductor lasers. Now, we will extend this knowledge to understand the design principles behind this very successful technology. After the module, you will wonder, as I do, how it is possible to produce a semiconductor laser for 6 cents!

advanced semiconductor laser design principles

In the last module, we learned about basic design principles for semiconductor lasers. In this module, we will take this one step further and learn about advanced concepts that have enabled the current generation of semiconductor lasers. Stay tuned for the magic!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Course opens the door to a career in design and implementation of light emitting devices

Explores semiconductor fundamentals, a critical topic for professionals in the field

Provides a comprehensive examination of light emitting diodes (LEDs), widely used in modern technology

Offers in-depth knowledge of semiconductor lasers, essential for applications in telecommunications and other industries

Taught by instructor Juliet Gopinath, recognized for her expertise in the field

Requires students to have a strong foundation in semiconductor physics

Reviews summary

Light emitting diodes and lasers

According to students, this course is well received and has been largely positive. Students cited knowledgeable instructors, engaging assignments, a helpful discussion forum, organized lectures and found the content to be interesting and informative. A handful of students found the material to be challenging and were disappointed with the support they received. Overall, students were satisfied with the quality of this course.

Knowledgeable instructors

"Discussion forum is truly helpful in completing the quizes!"

"It will be great to re-evaluate the weekly quizzes and also will be great to have a course moderator."

Challenging and engaging assignments

"This course is really informative. The assignments allow you to think over the course details critically and analytically."

"Useful for me, with pretty good lectures (I really like a real lecture with writing on a board compared to just slides)."

Well organized and informative lectures

"Discussion forum is truly helpful in completing the quizes!"

"It will be great to re-evaluate the weekly quizzes and also will be great to have a course moderator."

Interesting and informative content

"Very good course about semiconductor lasers.The content is very good but the way it is delivered could be improved."

"This course is really informative. The assignments allow you to think over the course details critically and analytically."

"Course provided good material and challenging concepts which is what I was looking for."

Lack of support

"Interessting content but the support is very poor. Also the traffic in the forum is pretty low."

"You need to take another course to pass the exams because either the questions are not clear or haven't been mentioned in the lessons. Some hints are given in the discussion forums. But still, the course is not good."

Challenging material

"This course is limited to just copying and pasting equations without going deep into both the physical fundamentals and the importance of the things being studied, to fully understand the concepts, several previous courses are required"

"Very good course about semiconductor lasers.The content is very good but the way it is delivered could be improved.A lot of new and complex concepts are introduced too quickly."

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 Light Emitting Diodes and Semiconductor Lasers with these activities:

Review basic semiconductor physics

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Review basic semiconductor physics concepts to strengthen your foundation for understanding light emitting diodes and semiconductor lasers.

Browse courses on Semiconductor Physics

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Revisit your notes or textbook on semiconductor physics from previous courses or resources
Focus on concepts like energy bands, charge carriers, and carrier transport

Read 'Semiconductor Lasers and LEDs: Materials and Devices' by J. Piprek

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Expand your understanding of semiconductor lasers and LEDs by reading this comprehensive book, which covers materials, device physics, and applications.

View Semiconductor Optoelectronic Devices on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book
Read through the chapters relevant to the topics covered in the course
Take notes and highlight important concepts

Solve problems on radiative recombination

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Practice solving problems on radiative recombination to enhance your understanding of how light is emitted in semiconductors.

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Find practice problems or exercises on radiative recombination
Attempt to solve the problems on your own
Check your solutions against provided answers or consult with classmates or instructors

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Explore tutorials on LED design and fabrication

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Seek out tutorials and resources to expand your knowledge on the design and fabrication of light emitting diodes.

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Search for online tutorials or courses on LED design and fabrication
Follow the tutorials step-by-step to learn about different design principles and fabrication techniques
Experiment with the concepts and techniques you learn to gain practical experience

Develop a presentation on semiconductor laser applications

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Create a presentation to showcase the diverse applications of semiconductor lasers, reinforcing your understanding of their impact in various fields.

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Research different applications of semiconductor lasers in fields such as telecommunications, manufacturing, and medicine
Gather data and examples to support your presentation
Design and develop your presentation, incorporating visual aids and clear explanations

Participate in a study group for advanced laser design principles

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Engage in peer discussions on advanced laser design principles to enhance your understanding and problem-solving skills.

Browse courses on Laser Design

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Find or form a study group with classmates who share an interest in advanced laser design principles
Establish regular meeting times and set goals for each session
Take turns presenting different topics, leading discussions, and solving problems together

Design and simulate a semiconductor laser using a software tool

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Utilize software tools to design and simulate a semiconductor laser, applying your knowledge of laser principles and design considerations.

Browse courses on Laser Design

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Choose a software tool for semiconductor laser design and simulation
Study the tool's documentation and tutorials to familiarize yourself with its capabilities
Design your semiconductor laser, considering factors such as materials, dimensions, and operating parameters

Career center

Learners who complete Light Emitting Diodes and Semiconductor Lasers will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Light Emitting Diode (LED) Engineer

A Light Emitting Diode (LED) Engineer designs, develops, and tests LEDs, which are used in a variety of applications, such as lighting, displays, and sensors. This course provides a solid foundation in the physics and engineering of LEDs, which can help you to succeed in this role. By taking this course, you will learn how to design and simulate LEDs, as well as how to test and characterize their performance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Light Emitting Diode (LED) Engineer

Semiconductor Laser Engineer

A Semiconductor Laser Engineer designs, develops, and tests semiconductor lasers that are used in a variety of applications, such as telecommunications, optical storage, and laser surgery. This course provides a solid foundation in the physics and engineering of semiconductor lasers, which can help you to succeed in this role. By taking this course, you will learn how to design and simulate semiconductor lasers, as well as how to test and characterize their performance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Semiconductor Laser Engineer

Optoelectronics Engineer

An Optoelectronics Engineer designs, develops, and tests optoelectronic devices, which are devices that use light to perform a variety of functions, such as sensing, emitting, and modulating. This course provides a solid foundation in the physics and engineering of optoelectronic devices, including semiconductor lasers and LEDs. By taking this course, you will learn how to design and simulate optoelectronic devices, as well as how to test and characterize their performance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Optoelectronics Engineer

Optical Engineer

An Optical Engineer designs, develops, and tests optical devices, which are devices that use light to perform a variety of functions, such as imaging, spectroscopy, and optical communications. This course provides a solid foundation in the physics and engineering of optical devices. By taking this course, you will learn how to design and simulate optical devices, as well as how to test and characterize their performance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Optical Engineer

Photonics Engineer

A Photonics Engineer designs, develops, and tests photonic devices, which are devices that use light to perform a variety of functions, such as transmitting, switching, and amplifying signals. This course provides a solid foundation in the physics and engineering of photonic devices. By taking this course, you will learn how to design and simulate photonic devices, as well as how to test and characterize their performance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photonics Engineer

Laser Physicist

A Laser Physicist designs, develops, and tests lasers, which are devices that emit a concentrated beam of light. This course provides a solid foundation in the physics and engineering of lasers. By taking this course, you will learn how to design and simulate lasers, as well as how to test and characterize their performance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Laser Physicist

Semiconductor Physicist

A Semiconductor Physicist researches the properties of semiconductors and develops new semiconductor materials and devices. This course provides a solid foundation in the physics of semiconductors. By taking this course, you will learn about the basic properties of semiconductors, as well as how to design and fabricate semiconductor devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Semiconductor Physicist

Materials Scientist

A Materials Scientist researches and develops new materials for use in a variety of applications, including optoelectronics, energy storage, and medicine. This course provides a solid foundation in the physics and chemistry of materials. By taking this course, you will learn about the basic properties of materials, as well as how to design and fabricate new materials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist

Electrical Engineer

An Electrical Engineer designs, develops, and tests electrical devices and systems. This course provides a solid foundation in the physics and engineering of electrical devices. By taking this course, you will learn how to design and simulate electrical devices, as well as how to test and characterize their performance.

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Mechanical Engineer

A Mechanical Engineer designs, develops, and tests mechanical devices and systems. This course provides a solid foundation in the physics and engineering of mechanical devices. By taking this course, you will learn how to design and simulate mechanical devices, as well as how to test and characterize their performance.

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Manufacturing Engineer

A Manufacturing Engineer designs, develops, and tests manufacturing processes. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of manufacturing. By taking this course, you will learn how to design and simulate manufacturing processes, as well as how to test and characterize their performance.

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Quality Control Engineer

A Quality Control Engineer develops and implements quality control procedures for manufacturing processes and products. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of quality control. By taking this course, you will learn how to design and implement quality control procedures, as well as how to test and characterize products.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer writes and edits technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of technical writing. By taking this course, you will learn how to write and edit clear and concise technical documentation.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, organizes, and manages projects. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of project management. By taking this course, you will learn how to plan, organize, and manage projects, as well as how to track and control project progress.

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Science Teacher

A Science Teacher teaches science to students at the secondary or post-secondary level. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of science education. By taking this course, you will learn how to develop and implement lesson plans, as well as how to assess student learning.

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