Diode - pn Junction and Metal Semiconductor Contact from Coursera

This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5631, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.

This course presents in-depth discussion and analysis of pn junction and metal-semiconductor contacts including equilibrium behavior, current and capacitance responses under bias, breakdown, non-rectifying behavior, and surface effect. You'll work through sophisticated analysis and application to electronic devices.

At the end of this course learners will be able to:

1. Analyze pn junction at equilibrium and under bias, capacitance and current characteristics, and breakdown behavior

2. Analyze metal-semiconductor contact at equilibrium and under bias, capacitance and current characteristics, non-rectifying contact and surface effects

What's inside

Syllabus

PN Junction at Equilibrium

In this module, we look at pn junction in equilibrium. Topics include: Device structure for pn junction, Energy band diagram at equilibrium for pn junction, Depletion approximation for step junction, Poisson's equation for step junction, Energy band diagram of pn step junction, Beyond depletion approximation, Poisson's equation, Energy band diagram for linearly graded junction, Energy band diagram for heterojunction, and Effect of band alignment for heterojunction.

PN Junction Under Bias

In this module on pn junction under bias, we will cover the following topics: Energy band diagram of pn junction under bias, Capacitance-voltage characteristics, Impact ionization, Avalanche breakdown, Avalanche breakdown voltages, Tunneling current, Zener breakdown, Energy band diagram of pn junction under forward bias, Continuity equation, Boundary conditions, Ideal diode equation, Long- and short-base diodes, Recombination and generation in depletion region, Non-ideal current, Effect of band alignment, and Diffusion and thermionic emission currents.

Metal-Semiconductor Contact

In this module on metal semiconductor contacts, we will cover the following topics: Device structure, Equilibrium energy band diagram, Electrostatic analysis, Energy band diagram under bias, Capacitance-voltage characteristics, Image charge, Dependence of barrier height on electric field, Energy band diagram of Schottky contact under bias, Thermionic emission current, Ohmic contact by heavy doping in semiconductor, Ohmic contact by low metal work function, Surface states, Fermi level pinning.

Optoelectronic Devices

In this module on LEDs, we will cover the follow topics: Basic operating principles of LEDs, Survey of LEDs, Blue LED and solid state lighting, Basic principle of semiconductor laser, Condition for net stimulated emission, Types of semiconductor laser, Photodiode, Avalanche photodiode, Solar cell operating principle, and I-V characteristics and power output.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Relevant for electrical engineers and related disciplines

Covers advanced topics in semiconductor devices

Taught by an experienced instructor in the field

Offers academic credit for completion

May require specific prerequisites or background knowledge

Reviews summary

Well-received semiconductor course

Learners say this course provides a strong understanding of pn junctions and metal-semiconductor contacts. While some learners enjoyed the engaging assignments, others noted that they require external resources. Overall, learners describe this as an advanced, but well-balanced course for those interested in semiconductor physics.

Course material is well-organized and presented in an engaging manner.

"Well balanced and presented in a way that brings interest to the subject."

"The lectures were good as a gentle guide giving somewhat a higher level overview of the material."

"Enjoyed it a lot. Great course."

Course provides a deep understanding of pn junctions and metal-semiconductor contacts.

"If you want to get detailed information about Semiconductor Physics and PN-Junction, attending this course is mandatory."

"Overall, Prof. Park has done an excellent job in teaching this course."

"This course builds upon the earlier course, Semiconductor Physics."

Concepts are advanced and require prior knowledge or additional resources.

"It is very helpful but for complete this course the student must have some prior knowledge"

"Prior experience will be helpful."

"The quizzes are quite difficult. All the subjects are so advance."

Some assignments are difficult and may require external resources.

"The course is not self sufficient. It is difficult to solve quiz assignments 3 and 4 only on the basis of the video lectures."

"There should not be problems that are not related to the videos. None of the problems of HW4 can be solved from the content of the lecture."

"It takes a lot of effort to solve and get correct answers for an individual."

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 Diode - pn Junction and Metal Semiconductor Contact with these activities:

Read 'The Physics of Semiconductors' by Streetman and Banerjee

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental physics of semiconductors and will help you build a strong foundation for this course.

View Solid State Electronic Devices on Amazon

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Read each chapter carefully.
Take notes on the key concepts.
Solve the practice problems at the end of each chapter.

Follow online tutorials on specific topics related to pn junctions or metal-semiconductor contacts

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Following online tutorials will allow you to learn about specific topics in more depth at your own pace.

Browse courses on PN Junctions

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Find online tutorials on specific topics that you are interested in.
Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises.

Join a study group and meet with classmates regularly to discuss the course material

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Study groups can provide you with a supportive environment to learn from your peers and reinforce your understanding of the course material.

Browse courses on PN Junctions

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Find a study group or form one with your classmates.
Meet regularly to discuss the course material.
Work together on practice problems and projects.

Four other activities

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Solve practice problems on pn junctions and metal-semiconductor contacts

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Solving practice problems will help you solidify your understanding of the concepts learned in this course and improve your problem-solving skills.

Browse courses on PN Junctions

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Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
Set aside time each week to solve practice problems.
Check your answers against the provided solutions.

Attend a workshop on semiconductor devices

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Attending a workshop will provide you with hands-on experience with semiconductor devices and allow you to learn from experts in the field.

Browse courses on PN Junctions

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Find a workshop that is relevant to your interests.
Register for the workshop.
Attend the workshop and participate in the activities.

Create a presentation on a specific topic related to pn junctions or metal-semiconductor contacts

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Creating a presentation will help you synthesize your understanding of a topic and communicate your ideas clearly.

Browse courses on PN Junctions

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Choose a topic that interests you.
Research the topic thoroughly.
Create a presentation that is clear, concise, and engaging.
Practice your presentation.
Deliver your presentation to your classmates or instructor.

Contribute to an open-source project related to semiconductor devices

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Contributing to an open-source project will allow you to apply your knowledge and skills to a real-world project.

Browse courses on PN Junctions

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Find an open-source project that interests you.
Contribute to the project by submitting bug reports, fixing bugs, or adding new features.

Career center

Learners who complete Diode - pn Junction and Metal Semiconductor Contact will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Semiconductor Device Designer

Semiconductor Device Designers focus on the design and development of semiconductor devices such as transistors and integrated circuits. This course provides a deep understanding of the electrical properties and characteristics of pn junctions and metal-semiconductor contacts, which are fundamental building blocks of many semiconductor devices. This knowledge can help you design and develop more efficient and reliable semiconductor devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Semiconductor Device Designer

Optoelectronic Engineer

Optoelectronic Engineers focus on the design and development of optoelectronic devices and systems, which combine electronics and photonics. This course provides an in-depth understanding of the electrical properties and characteristics of pn junctions and metal-semiconductor contacts, which are fundamental building blocks of many optoelectronic devices. This knowledge can help you design and develop more efficient and reliable optoelectronic devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Optoelectronic Engineer

Laser Engineer

Laser Engineers focus on the design and development of lasers, which are used in various applications such as communications, medicine, and manufacturing. This course provides an in-depth understanding of the electrical properties and characteristics of pn junctions and metal-semiconductor contacts, which are fundamental building blocks of many lasers. This knowledge can help you design and develop more efficient and reliable lasers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Laser Engineer

Semiconductor Process Engineer

Semiconductor Process Engineers focus on developing and optimizing the processes used to fabricate semiconductors. This course provides an in-depth understanding of the electrical properties and characteristics of pn junctions and metal-semiconductor contacts, which are fundamental building blocks of many semiconductor devices. This knowledge can help you develop and optimize processes for the fabrication of more efficient and reliable semiconductor devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Semiconductor Process Engineer

Solar Cell Engineer

Solar Cell Engineers focus on the design and development of solar cells, which convert sunlight into electricity. This course provides an in-depth understanding of the electrical properties and characteristics of pn junctions, which are fundamental building blocks of solar cells. This knowledge can help you design and develop more efficient and reliable solar cells, which could contribute to the development of renewable energy technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Cell Engineer

Photovoltaic Engineer

Photovoltaic Engineers focus on the design and development of photovoltaic systems, which convert sunlight into electricity. This course provides an in-depth understanding of the electrical properties and characteristics of pn junctions, which are fundamental building blocks of photovoltaic cells. This knowledge can help you design and develop more efficient and reliable photovoltaic systems, which could contribute to the development of renewable energy technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photovoltaic Engineer

Photonics Engineer

Photonics Engineers focus on the design and development of photonic devices and systems, which use light to transmit information. This course provides an in-depth understanding of the electrical properties and characteristics of pn junctions and metal-semiconductor contacts, which are fundamental building blocks of many photonic devices. This knowledge can help you design and develop more efficient and reliable photonic devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photonics Engineer

Device Physicist

Device Physicists focus on the physics of various electronic devices, including semiconductors. This course provides an in-depth understanding of the physical principles behind the operation of pn junctions and metal-semiconductor contacts, which are fundamental building blocks of many electronic devices. This knowledge can help you design and develop more efficient and reliable electronic devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Device Physicist

Microelectronic Engineer

Microelectronic Engineers focus on the design and development of microelectronic devices, which are used in various electronic systems. This course provides an in-depth understanding of the electrical properties and characteristics of pn junctions and metal-semiconductor contacts, which are fundamental building blocks of many microelectronic devices. This knowledge can help you design and develop more efficient and reliable microelectronic devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Microelectronic Engineer

Electronic Engineer

Electronic Engineers focus on the design and development of electronic devices and systems. This course provides an in-depth understanding of the electrical properties and characteristics of pn junctions and metal-semiconductor contacts, which are fundamental building blocks of many electronic devices. This knowledge can help you design and develop more efficient and reliable electronic devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electronic Engineer

Nanotechnology Engineer

Nanotechnology Engineers focus on the design and development of nanotechnology-based devices and systems. This course provides an in-depth understanding of the electrical properties and characteristics of pn junctions and metal-semiconductor contacts, which are fundamental building blocks of many nanotechnology-based devices. This knowledge can help you design and develop more efficient and reliable nanotechnology-based devices.

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Semiconductor Fabrication Engineer

Semiconductor Fabrication Engineers focus on the development and development of semiconductors. Semiconductor devices such as transistors and integrated circuits are used in various electronic devices. This course focuses on two fundamental semiconductor devices: pn junctions and metal-semiconductor contacts. You will gain a deep understanding of the electrical properties and characteristics of these devices, which can help you in various aspects of semiconductor fabrication.

See salaries and explore the career path for Semiconductor Fabrication Engineer

Solid State Physicist

Solid-State Physicists focus on studying the physical properties of solids, including semiconductors. This course provides an in-depth understanding of the electrical properties and characteristics of pn junctions and metal-semiconductor contacts, which are fundamental building blocks of many solid-state devices. This knowledge can help you develop a deeper understanding of the behavior of solids and contribute to the development of new solid-state technologies.

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Power Electronics Engineer

Power Electronics Engineers focus on the design and development of power electronic systems, which convert electrical power from one form to another. This course provides an in-depth understanding of the electrical properties and characteristics of pn junctions and metal-semiconductor contacts, which are fundamental building blocks of many power electronic devices. This knowledge can help you design and develop more efficient and reliable power electronic systems, which could contribute to the development of more efficient and reliable power grids.

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Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists focus on studying the properties of various materials and using them to develop new materials with enhanced properties. This course focuses on the electrical properties of semiconductors, which is a fundamental aspect of understanding the behavior of these materials. The knowledge gained in this course can help you develop new semiconductor materials with enhanced electrical properties, which could lead to the development of more efficient and reliable electronic devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist