MSEN 784 Adv Phys of Solid-State Apps
This advanced solid-state physics course builds on foundational concepts and explores the atomic and electrical principles that govern material behavior. It will give students the mathematical tools to model and analyze advanced materials and semiconductor devices. The first part of the course will cover crystal lattices, including their varieties and properties. Then, we'll study electronic energy band topologies and how they affect materials' electronic properties. Phonon dispersion relations will show pupils how vibrational modes affect thermal characteristics. The effective mass theorem and semiclassical equations of motion will explain electron motion in a crystal lattice and how external factors affect it. Electron scattering will also be covered. Electronic band structures and semiconductor light absorption and emission will be discussed. Calculating the band structure and transport characteristics of selected semiconductors will follow. Ultimately, the course will address the quantum theory of solids and quasi-Fermi levels to study semiconductor device electrical behavior. Boltzmann transport, which models semiconductor electron transport, will be taught.