69710 - The Physics of Low Dimensional Semiconductors

Academic Year 2013/2014

  • Moduli: Daniela Cavalcoli (Modulo 1) Anna Cavallini (Modulo 2)
  • Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially) (Modulo 1); In-person learning (entirely or partially) (Modulo 2)
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Physics (cod. 8025)

Learning outcomes

Fundamental knowledge on the physics of semiconducting materials, on their transport properties, their defects and their optoelectronic properties. In addition fundamenta knowledge on semiconductor surfaces and interfaces, on low dimensional systems and semiconductor based nanostructures. Knowledge on growth techniques and mechanisms and of characterization techniques of semiconductor materials and nanostructures.

Course contents

SEMICONDUCTORS (Anna Cavallini, 2CFU)
Crystal structures, band structure and electronic levels in semiconductors. Ideal and Real crystals (role of defects, surfaces and interfaces). The chemical potential, Statistics. Transport properties, generation recombination mechanisms Schokle Read Hall model. Optical and electrical properties of semiconductors.

LOW DIMENSIONAL SYSTEMS (4CFU)
Surface and interface physics. Metal Oxide Semiconductor devices in strong inversion. Quantum confinement in 2, 1 and 0 dimension: quantum wells, wires and dots. Electrical and optical properties of low dimensional semiconductors. Growth and deposition of semiconductor nanostructures: methods and mechanisms. Investigation of semiconductor nanostructures nìby electrical, optical and microscopica methods. Atomic Force Microscopy for electrical characterization of semiconductor nanostructures. Application of semiconductor nanostructures: LED, solar cells, photodiodes. Advanced (3rd generation) solar cells.

Readings/Bibliography

Grundmann M. "The Physics of Semiconductors", Ed  Springer  

Tyagi M. Introduction of Semiconductor Physics and Devices Ed Wiley

M Jaros: Physics and Applications of Semiconductor Microstructures, Oxford Science

J Davis: The Physics of Low Dimensional Semiconductors, Cambridge University Press

Teaching methods

The physical basic principles will be presented,  some recent application discussed

Assessment methods

Oral examination. During the exam the student will present a discussion on a specific issue in agreement with the Course teacher.

Teaching tools

Presentations will be available through campus.cib.unibo.it

Links to further information

http://campus.unibo.it

Office hours

See the website of Daniela Cavalcoli

See the website of Anna Cavallini