Set of Diploma Courses I: Physics of Semiconducting Materials Field of study: Physics
Programme code: W4-S2FZA22.2025

Module name: Set of Diploma Courses I: Physics of Semiconducting Materials
Module code: W4-FZ-NM-S2-2-22-16
Programme code: W4-S2FZA22.2025
Semester: summer semester 2025/2026
Language of instruction: English
Form of verification: exam
ECTS credits: 4
Purpose and description of the content of education:
Brief introduction to the crystallographic, electronic structure and lattice dynamics of the most widely used semiconductors and their alloys. Example of some important crystallographic structures for semiconductors: diamond and zinc blende structure. Covalent bonds in semiconductors, the nature of sp3 hybridization for the group IV semiconductor. Electronic defect state, thermodynamics of point defects (Schottky and Frenkel disorder), extended defects. Concentration of carriers as a function of temperature; Fermi distribution/Boltzmann distribution. Intrinsic and doped semiconductors in equilibrium. The role of donors or acceptors at low doping levels. Compensation and amphoteric impurities. Change of the band structure due to high levels of doping. Diffusion of carriers: Fick's first law, Einstein-Smoluchowski relation. Phenomena of electrical transport for intrinsic and doped semiconductors. Mobility of electrons and holes - Hall mobility. Generation and recombination processes. Dependence of the lifetime of the generated carriers on scattering processes. Hetero structure, space charge model. Band bending due to the existence of the surface state. Schottky model of metal-semiconductor contact and metal-oxide-semiconductor interface (solution by Poisson equation). "p-n" junction: an ideal case (solution using Poisson's equation). Determination of the current-voltage characteristics of an ideal p-n junction for forward and reverse current for the electrons and the holes. Applications of semiconductors in nanoelectronics: an example of the use of extended defects and phase change materials for 1 TB resistively switching RAM-s; a concept developed at the Forschungszentrum Juelich and Institute of Physics University of Silesia. Learning objectives: To learn the basics of semiconductor physics and the various technical applications of semiconductor materials. Mandatory examinations
List of modules that must be completed before starting this module (if necessary): not applicable
Learning outcome of the module Codes of the learning outcomes of the programme to which the learning outcome of the module is related [level of competence: scale 1-5]
it presupposes an in-depth knowledge of the physics of the condensed phase [E1]
 KF_W04 [4/5]
it requires knowledge of mathematical formalism, which is useful in the construction and analysis of physical models of medium complexity and an understanding the consequences of using approximation methods [E2]
 KF_W06 [3/5]
student can use mathematical formalism to construct and analyze physical models [E3]
 KF_U09 [3/5]
the participant of the module is able to apply the knowledge acquired in physics when discussing problems from related scientific fields and disciplines [E4]
 KF_U14 [4/5]
it requires advanced knowledge in quantum mechanics and statistical physics [E5]
 KF_W03 [3/5]
Form of teaching Number of hours Methods of conducting classes Assessment of the learning outcomes Learning outcomes
lecture [FZ1] 20 Formal lecture/ course-related lecture [a01]  exam E1 E2
discussion classes [FZ2] 10 Explanation/clarification [a05] 
Activating methods: a case study [b07]  		course work E3 E5
laboratory classes [FZ3] 20 Laboratory exercise / experiment [e01]  course work E4
The student's work, apart from participation in classes, includes in particular:
Name Category Description
Literature reading / analysis of source materials [a02] Preparation for classes
reading the literature indicated in the syllabus; reviewing, organizing, analyzing and selecting source materials to be used in class
Developing practical skills [a03] Preparation for classes
activities involving the repetition, refinement and consolidation of practical skills, including those developed during previous classes or new skills necessary for the implementation of subsequent elements of the curriculum (as preparation for class participation)
Getting acquainted with the syllabus content [b01] Consulting the curriculum and the organization of classes
reading through the syllabus and getting acquainted with its content
Studying the literature used in and the materials produced in class [c02] Preparation for verification of learning outcomes
exploring the studied content, inquiring, considering, assimilating, interpreting it, or organizing knowledge obtained from the literature, documentation, instructions, scenarios, etc., used in class as well as from the notes or other materials/artifacts made in class
Implementation of an individual or group assignment necessary for course/phase/examination completion [c03] Preparation for verification of learning outcomes
a set of activities aimed at performing an assigned task, to be executed out of class, as an obligatory phase/element of the verification of the learning outcomes assigned to the course
Analysis of the corrective feedback provided by the academic teacher on the results of the verification of learning outcomes [d01] Consulting the results of the verification of learning outcomes
reading through the academic teacher’s comments, assessments and opinions on the implementation of the task aimed at checking the level of the achieved learning outcomes
Attachments
Module description (PDF)
Information concerning module syllabuses might be changed during studies.
Syllabuses (USOSweb)
Semester Module Language of instruction
(no information given)