Physics of Semiconductors [Paperback]

Based on courses given at the Ecole Polytechnique in France, this book covers not only the fundamental physics of semiconductors, but also discusses the operation of electronic and optical devices based on semiconductors. It is aimed at students with a good background in mathematics and physics, and is equally suited for graduate-level courses in condensed-matter physics as for self-study by engineers interested in a basic understanding of semiconductor devices.

Based on courses given at the Ecole Polytechnique in France, this book covers not only the fundamental physics of semiconductors, but also discusses the operation of electronic and optical devices based on semiconductors. It is aimed at students with a good background in mathematics and physics, and is equally suited for graduate-level courses in condensed-matter physics as for self-study by engineers interested in a basic understanding of semiconductor devices.1 Simple Ideas about Semiconductors.- 1.1 Definition and Importance of Semiconductors.- 1.2 A Chemical Approach to Semiconductors.- 1.3 Quantum States of a Perfect One-Dimensional Crystalline Solid.- 2 Quantum States of a Perfect Semiconductor.- 2.1 Quantum States of a Three-Dimensional Crystal.- 2.2 Dynamics of a Bloch Electron. The Crystal Momentum.- 2.3 Metal, Insulator, Semiconductor.- 2.4 Theoretical Determination of Band Structure.- 2.5 The True Band Structure.- 2.6 Experimental Study of Band Structure.- Appendix 2.1 Matrix Element of a Periodic Operator between Two Bloch States.- Appendix 2.2 Symmetries of the Band Structure.- Appendix 2.3 Band Structure of Column IV Elements Calculated by the LCAO Method.- Appendix 2.4 The k p Method.- 3 Excited States of a Pure Semiconductor and Quantum States of Impure Semiconductors.- 3.1 The Hole Concept.- 3.2 Impurities in Semiconductors.- 3.3 Impurity Bands.- Appendix 3.1 Problems on Cyclotron Resonance in Silicon.- Appendix 3.2 Quantum Wells and Semiconducting Superlattices.- Appendil3+