CE-20PA1014X - OASiS 14: Fundamentals of Semiconductor Physics and Devices
This course introduces learners to the fundamental concepts of semiconductor physics and their application in analyzing basic electronic devices. Learners will explore topics such as diodes, bipolar junction transistors, metal-oxide semiconductor field effect transistors, junction field effect transistors, and advanced devices such as high electron mobility transistors. Through this course, learners analyze the operating principles of these devices and apply this knowledge to the evaluation and design of basic electronic circuits.
Course Outline
Module 1:
- An introduction to semiconductors and the fundamentals of quantum mechanics
- The particle/wave nature of particles and photons
- The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle
- The Schrödinger equation and application
- The concept of wave function, and its probability interpretation
- Introduction to atomic theory
Module 2:
- The quantum theory of solids and the Pauli Principle
- The concept of fermions and the antisymmetric nature of their wave functions
- sp3 hybridization of orbitals
- Covalent bonds and the crystal structure of silicon
- Hole and effective masses for electrons and holes
- Direct and indirect band gaps
- Introduction to the density of states
- Fermi-Dirac and Maxwell-Boltzmann distributions and statistics
- Fermi energy
Learner Outcomes
Learners who successfully complete this course can expect to achieve the following outcomes:
- Identify the main semiconductor physics concepts needed to understand the operation of basic semiconductor devices, such as diodes, bipolar transistors, and field effect transistors.
- Describe the wave and particle nature of particles and photons.
- Interpret energy band diagrams in semiconductors, including Fermi energy level, Fermi-Dirac statistics, and density of states.
- Analyze the concept of holes in the valence band of a semiconductor.
- Examine the hybridization of orbitals and covalent bonding, and relate these ideas to the energy band structures of solids.
- Apply the Schrödinger equation to calculate the bound states associated with a particle in a box and a finite one-dimensional quantum well.
- Evaluate tunneling problems through a single potential step and a square barrier.
Who Should Register?
This course is ideal for learners interested in semiconductor manufacturing, materials, devices, and circuits. A foundational knowledge of physics and chemistry at a high school level is helpful but not required. No prior knowledge on CMOS or other semiconductor technology is required.
Select a section to register
The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS)
The College of Engineering and Applied Science is organized into eight departments. Each offers multiple degrees, both graduate and undergraduate, and provides students with rich experience in the classroom, in the lab and on the job.
- Aerospace Engineering & Engineering Mechanics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical and Environmental Engineering
- Civil and Architectural Engineering and Construction Management
- Computer Science
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Engineering and Computing Education
With real-world experiences at firms and research centers across the country and around the world, our students graduate with skills and confidence to turn ideas into reality, solving tomorrow’s problems today and seeking out new challenges.
OASiS
The Ohio-Southwest Alliance on Semiconductors and Integrated Scalable Manufacturing (OASiS) team was established in 2022 with the support of Intel. The goal of OASiS is to provide individuals with strong STEM backgrounds with the very fundamental skills required to pursue semiconductor careers. Altogether, OASiS has engaged 15 universities, colleges, community colleges, and regional campuses in southwest Ohio.
To date, over 1000 students with backgrounds in electrical and computer engineering, computer science, chemical engineering, mechanical and material engineering, physics, and chemistry have successfully gone through the program. The ultimate goal of the OASiS team is to be able to provide semiconductor workforce development opportunities by delivering modules to students interested in the area of semiconductor manufacturing, materials, devices and circuits so they can be part of the needed 100,000+ workforce needed in the field by 2030.