Essentials of Semiconductor Physics

Provides a modern introduction to semiconductor physics, presentingthe basic information necessary to understand semiconductors, alongwith some of the latest theories and developments. Based on theauthor's undergraduate course, this book bridges the gap betweenbasic subjects such as quantum mechanics and Maxwell's equationsand the fundamental processes determining the behaviour ofsemiconductors. Following a quantum mechanics approach this text ispredominantly aimed at scientists rather then engineers, and formsthe basis for the understanding of modern mesoscopic physics insemiconductors and quantum devices like resonant tunnelingdiodes.

Rather than attempting to comprehensively cover all aspects ofsemiconductor physics, this text aims to cover the most importantand interesting aspects of this subject to scientists. Startingwith the development of semiconductor physics from basic quantummechanics, the text moves on to cover band structure and effectivemass theory, before covering electron-phonon coupling and chargetransport. It concludes with a chapter on optical transitions.Students will need some knowledge of quantum mechanics and solidstate although this is covered to some extent in the book.

FEATURES

* Concise introduction to the basics of semiconductor physics

* Bridges the gap between fundamental subjects such as quantummechanics and Maxwell's equations and the processes determining thebehaviour of semiconductors

* Describes semiconductor theory from a full quantum mechanicalapproach.An accessible introduction, avoiding reliance on grouptheory

CONTENTS: Preface; Notation Conventions; Introduction; Electrons,nuclei and Hamiltonians; Band Structure; The k - p Approximation;Effective Mass Theory; The Crystal Lattice; Electron-phononCoupling; Charge Transport, Optical Transitions; Band Electrons inan Optical Field; Appendix A: The Hydrogen Atom; Appendix B: TheHarmonic Oscillator; Appendix C: Perturbation Theory; AppendixD:Tensors in Cubic Crystals; Appendix E: The Classical Limit;Appendix F: Some Fourier Transforms; Appendix G: Exercises;Bibliography.Diese in modernem Stil geschriebene Einführung in die Halbleiterphysik vermittelt die Grundlagen, die zum Verständnis von Halbleiterwerkstoffen erforderlich sind, ebenso wie die aktuellsten Theorien und Entwicklungen. Der Autor schlägt damit eine Brücke zwischen der Quantenmechanik und den Maxwellschen Gleichungen einerseits und dem Verhalten von Halbleitern andererseits. Der Ansatz kommt weitgehend ohne Gruppentheorie aus. (10/99)
Electrons, Nuclei and Hamiltonians.

Band Structure.

The K ? p-Approximation.

Effective Mass Theory.

The Crystal Lattice.

Electron-Phonon Coupling.

Charge Transport.

Optical Transitions.

Appendices.

Exercises.

Bibliography.

Index. "With semiconductor device shrinks approaching the atomic level it is important to start considering the basic physics of semiconductors. For those with a working knowledge of quantum mechanics, "Essentials of Semiconductor Physics" by Tom Wenckebach is a good place to start." (European Design and Semiconductor Production, November 1999)

W. Tom Wenckebach is the author of Essentials of Semiconductor Physics, published by Wiley. A concise introduction to the basics of semiconductor physics, Essentials of Semiconductor Physics presents the foundations of the most important and interesting aspects of semiconductors, varying from electronic band structure, via effective mass treatments and quantum devices to transport phenomena and optics, including some of the latest developments in these fields. Based on the author's undergraduate course, the book is oriented towards physicists and to engineers with a scientific background as it approaches the subject from quantum mechanics.

• Provides an alternative approach to semiconductors from traditional books.
• Bridges the gap between fundamental subjects such as quantum mechanics and Maxwell's equations and the processes determining the behaviour of semiconductors
• Includes a description of semiconductor theory from a full quantum mechanical approach

Written for undergraduate and graduate students taking a first course on semiconductors, in physics and material science departments.