Semiconductor Physics
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course provides fundamentals for the understanding of the microscopic properties of relevant topics of Physics of Semiconductors
and of their applications. Special focus will be given on:
1.Understanding the electronic, vibrational, optical and magnetic properties of semiconductors
2.Defects (shallow and deep)
3.Transport in 3D semiconductors
4.Electronic properties and transport in nanostructures 2D, 1D, 0D
5.Physics of heterostructures and junctions: basic concepts for understanding nanoelectronic devices
and of their applications. Special focus will be given on:
1.Understanding the electronic, vibrational, optical and magnetic properties of semiconductors
2.Defects (shallow and deep)
3.Transport in 3D semiconductors
4.Electronic properties and transport in nanostructures 2D, 1D, 0D
5.Physics of heterostructures and junctions: basic concepts for understanding nanoelectronic devices
Expected learning outcomes
Skills acquired by the student at the end of the course:
1.Description of microscopic mechanisms responsible of transport properties in semiconductors
2.Knowledge of main growth and characterization techniques used for semiconductors
3.Knowledge of principal computational techniques used for semiconductors
4.Description of quantum confinement effects in semiconductor nanostructures.
5.Knowledge of main processes governing the physics of semiconductors. Application of skills acquired in the course to made
research and development of semiconductor technology in academy or in industry.
1.Description of microscopic mechanisms responsible of transport properties in semiconductors
2.Knowledge of main growth and characterization techniques used for semiconductors
3.Knowledge of principal computational techniques used for semiconductors
4.Description of quantum confinement effects in semiconductor nanostructures.
5.Knowledge of main processes governing the physics of semiconductors. Application of skills acquired in the course to made
research and development of semiconductor technology in academy or in industry.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course aims to introduce the fundamental concepts of semiconductor physics, along with key theoretical, simulation, and experimental methods. The final part of the course will cover advanced topics selected based on students' interests.
Topics
1. Introduction to semiconductor growth techniques (2)
MOCVD, MBE, ALD techniques. Epitaxial growth mechanisms.
2. Crystal structure (1)
Bravais lattices; reciprocal lattice; Miller indices; main crystal structures of semiconductors.
3. Energy bands in semiconductors (4)
Bloch states; Wannier functions; tight-binding and pseudopotential models; k-p approximation; band structure; spin-orbit interaction; effective mass; introduction to ab initio methods (DFT).
4. Phonons and thermal properties in semiconductors and materials for nanoelectronics (4)
Dispersion relations; theoretical models; experimental techniques; temperature effects and introduction to anharmonicity.
5. Defects in semiconductors (3)
Point defects and impurities; shallow and deep levels; role in doping and recombination processes; experimental techniques (overview).
6. Equilibrium distributions (4)
Carrier statistics; thermodynamics; density of states; electron and hole distributions; intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors; Fermi level; chemical potential.
7. Optical properties in semiconductors (4)
Electron-photon interaction; interband absorption; excitons; reflectivity; spectroscopic techniques (Raman, photoluminescence); Kramers-Kronig relations.
8. Transport properties (4)
Boltzmann equation; mobility; scattering processes; Hall effect; magnetoresistance; high field effects (hot carriers, Gunn effect).
9. Excess carriers and p-n junction (3)
Generation and recombination; drift and diffusion; p-n junction in equilibrium and non-equilibrium; role in transport and photovoltaic processes.
10. Berry phase (2)
Polarization in solids; quantum Hall effect.
11. Heterostructures (3)
Heterojunctions; space charge region; two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG); confinement and transport.
12. Solar cells (2)
Photovoltaic effect; diffusion length; efficiency; first, second and third generation solar cells; applications.
13. Nanostructures (2)
Quantum wells; low dimensional systems; quantum confinement; Coulomb blockade (overview).
14. Spintronics (2)
Rashba effect; spin transistor; magnetic semiconductors.
15. Advanced topics (2)
Advanced topics will be selected based on students' interests, including two-dimensional materials, quantum transport, single-electron devices, topological phenomena, and semiconductor quantum computing devices such as the Kane architecture.
Topics
1. Introduction to semiconductor growth techniques (2)
MOCVD, MBE, ALD techniques. Epitaxial growth mechanisms.
2. Crystal structure (1)
Bravais lattices; reciprocal lattice; Miller indices; main crystal structures of semiconductors.
3. Energy bands in semiconductors (4)
Bloch states; Wannier functions; tight-binding and pseudopotential models; k-p approximation; band structure; spin-orbit interaction; effective mass; introduction to ab initio methods (DFT).
4. Phonons and thermal properties in semiconductors and materials for nanoelectronics (4)
Dispersion relations; theoretical models; experimental techniques; temperature effects and introduction to anharmonicity.
5. Defects in semiconductors (3)
Point defects and impurities; shallow and deep levels; role in doping and recombination processes; experimental techniques (overview).
6. Equilibrium distributions (4)
Carrier statistics; thermodynamics; density of states; electron and hole distributions; intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors; Fermi level; chemical potential.
7. Optical properties in semiconductors (4)
Electron-photon interaction; interband absorption; excitons; reflectivity; spectroscopic techniques (Raman, photoluminescence); Kramers-Kronig relations.
8. Transport properties (4)
Boltzmann equation; mobility; scattering processes; Hall effect; magnetoresistance; high field effects (hot carriers, Gunn effect).
9. Excess carriers and p-n junction (3)
Generation and recombination; drift and diffusion; p-n junction in equilibrium and non-equilibrium; role in transport and photovoltaic processes.
10. Berry phase (2)
Polarization in solids; quantum Hall effect.
11. Heterostructures (3)
Heterojunctions; space charge region; two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG); confinement and transport.
12. Solar cells (2)
Photovoltaic effect; diffusion length; efficiency; first, second and third generation solar cells; applications.
13. Nanostructures (2)
Quantum wells; low dimensional systems; quantum confinement; Coulomb blockade (overview).
14. Spintronics (2)
Rashba effect; spin transistor; magnetic semiconductors.
15. Advanced topics (2)
Advanced topics will be selected based on students' interests, including two-dimensional materials, quantum transport, single-electron devices, topological phenomena, and semiconductor quantum computing devices such as the Kane architecture.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of quantum mechanics and fundamental concepts of the structure of matter.
Teaching methods
Frontal lectures with examples. Emphasis is placed on the connection between theoretical models, simulations and experimental results, with attention to applications. In-class discussion activities are also planned on the topics covered, in order to stimulate active student participation.
Teaching Resources
Lecture notes. Balkanski and Wallis "Semiconductor Physics and Applications", Oxford University Press, 2000. Yu and Cardona "Fundamentals of Semiconductors", Springer, 2010. Additional material may be provided during the course.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of a 30-40 minutes oral interview. Students must demonstrate understanding of the topics, mastery of the concepts and the ability to connect different aspects of semiconductor physics. Assessment is based on correctness, clarity of presentation, proper use of scientific language, and the ability to analyze and synthesize the concepts.
PHYS-03/A - Experimental Physics of Matter and Applications - University credits: 6
Lessons: 42 hours
Professor:
Debernardi Alberto