PX4221: Low Dimensional Semiconductor Devices
| School | Cardiff School of Physics & Astronomy |
| Department Code | PHYSX |
| Module Code | PX4221 |
| External Subject Code | 100425 |
| Number of Credits | 10 |
| Level | L7 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | Dr Philip Buckle |
| Semester | Spring Semester |
| Academic Year | 2015/6 |
Outline Description of Module
To provide a detailed overview of modern low dimensional semiconductor physics.
To give examples of applications either commercially available or at an advanced stage.
To give examples of current research in the field and future potential direction.
To give an appreciation of the role of the physicist in shaping future electronics.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
Describe the essential features of low dimensional semiconductor heterostructures.
Describe the operation of a range of optical and electrical low dimensional semiconductor devices.
Critically analyse the relevance and application of modern research methods and current technology.
Explain the significant physics that has been accomplished in this field (two noble prizes in 25 years).
How the module will be delivered
22 x 1 hr lectures, marked exercises.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Problem solving. Analytical skills. Mathematics.
How the module will be assessed
Examination and Continuous Assessment
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam - Spring Semester | 80 | Low Dimensional Semiconductor Devices | 2 |
| Written Assessment | 20 | Low Dimensional Semiconductor Devices | N/A |
Syllabus content
Nanostructures: Important lengthscales for nanostructures (De Broglie wavelength, exciton Bohr radius and binding energy, charging energy, typical number of atoms involved).
Low dimensional structures: Introduction to low dimensional semiconductor heterostructures. GaAs as an example material system. Choice of materials. Real world growth techniques for 0D, 1D and 2D structures (MBE MOCVD).
State Characteristics: Density of states in low dimensions, modification to electron and hole state occupation.
The Quantum Well: The application of QWs (the QW Laser, QWIPs).
The 2DEG: Construction. Carrier transport models (relaxation time approximation). Applications HEMTs.
Tunnelling: Useful approximations (WKB approximation). DBRTS.
Complex QW systems: The superlattice, minibands and the quantum confined stark effect, modulators and cascade lasers.
The Hall Effect: The classical Hall Effect, the Quantum Hall effect and the Fractional Quantum Hall Effect.
Gated Nanostructures: Quantum wires and split gate structures (quantum point contacts). Conductance quantisation.
Quantum dots: Quantum dots and single electron devices. Coulomb blockade, and the single electron transistor. Quantum dots as artificial atoms.
Quantum computation: Spin qubits as an example (the application of quantum dots and split gates in single electron devices).
Background Reading and Resource List
The Physics of Low Dimensional Semiconductors, J H Davies (Cambridge University Press).
The Physics of Semiconductors and their Heterostructures, J Singh (McGraw-Hill).
Quantum Semiconductor Structures: Fundamentals and Applications, C Weisbuch and B Vinter (Academic Press).