Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title SEMICONDUCTOR APPLICATIONS
Code PHYS389
Coordinator Dr J Alaria
Physics
Jonathan.Alaria@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 7.5

Aims

To develop the physics concepts describing semiconductors in sufficient details for the purpose of understanding the construction and operation of common semiconductor devices


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) At the end of the module the student should have: Knowledge of the basic theory of p-n junctions Knowledge of the structure and function of a variety of semiconductor devices An overview of semiconductor device manufacturing processes Knowledge of the basic processes involved in the interaction of radiation with matter Understanding the application of semiconductors in Nuclear and Particle physics


Syllabus

 

1 The band structures of typical semiconductors. Crystal momentum and effective mass Transport phenomena. Drift and diffusion The p-n junction. Depletion layer width and capacitance. Current - voltage characteristic Zener and avalanche breakdown in p-n junctions The physical principles of bipolar transistors (FET's), MOSFETs and MESFETS Semiconductor device manufacture The absorption of light by semiconductors Nuclear radiation detection Range of charged particles Gamma radiation Silicon and Germanium detectors


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 – Lectures delivered online.
Description: Lecture to entire cohort on all course topics over VLE.
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: = Nominal 3 x 1-hour lectures/week.

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorials delivered on campus
Description: Problem-solving class to learn together with guidance from staff and receive feedback.
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: = 1 x 1-hour tutorials.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 16

  3

      19
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 56
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Exam There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule: Semester 1.  120 minutes    80       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Open-book coursework submitted online. UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule: Semester 1.      20       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.