| dc.description.abstract | Semiconductor electronics is commonplace in every household. Semiconductor
devices have enabled economically reasonable fiber-based optical communication,
optical storage, and high-frequency amplification and have recently revolutionized
photography, display technology, and lighting. By now solar energy harvesting
with photovoltaics contributes a significant portion to the energy mix. Along with
these tremendous technological developments, semiconductors have changed the
way we work, communicate, entertain, and think. The technological progress of
semiconductor materials and devices is evolving continuously with a large
worldwide effort in human and monetary capital. For students, semiconductors offer
a rich and exciting field with a great tradition, offering diverse fundamental and
applied topics [1] and a bright future.
This book introduces students to semiconductor physics and semiconductor
devices. It brings them to the point where they can specialize and enter supervised
laboratory research. It is based on the two-semester semiconductor physics course
taught at Universität Leipzig in its Master of Science physics curriculum. Since the
book can be followed with little or no pre-existing knowledge in solid-state physics
and quantum mechanics, it is also suitable for undergraduate students. For the
interested reader several additional topics are included in the book that can be covered
in subsequent, more specialized courses. The material is selected to provide a
balance between aspects of solid-state and semiconductor physics, the concepts of
various semiconductor devices and modern applications in electronics and photonics. | en_US |
