Teaching

Course Objective

Introduces the fundamental concepts necessary to understand electronic, dielectric, magnetic, and optical properties of metals, semiconductors, ceramics, and polymers. Students develop the ability to analyze solid-state electronic device behavior — the basis of modern microelectronics, nanotechnologies, and phenomena such as superconductivity.

Topics Covered

• Classical electrical conductivity of metals
• Thermal conductivity of solids
• Hall effect & electron motion in magnetic fields
• Quantum effects & wave–particle duality
• Schrödinger equation & applications
• Hydrogen atom: classical & quantum
• Absorption & emission of radiation; optical devices
• Bonding in molecules & solids
• Band theory & electron transport in solids
• Semiconductor devices
• Magnetic properties of atoms & solids
• Superconductivity
• Dielectric properties of insulators
• Optical properties of materials

Course Objective

Covers the theoretical and practical considerations behind the most common electrical characterization techniques for semiconductor materials and devices. Students develop the ability to design experiments, extract key device parameters, and interpret failure and reliability data for modern semiconductor structures.

Topics Covered

• Semiconductor fundamentals review
• Resistivity measurement techniques
• Carrier and dopant concentration characterization
• Oxide trapped charges & thickness (C-V)
• Contact resistance & Schottky barriers
• MIS barrier characterization
• MOSFET parameters: series resistance, effective channel length & width, threshold voltage, mobility
• MOS defect densities: DLTS & charge-pumping
• Carrier lifetimes
• Scanned probe characterization
• Reliability & failure analysis: gate oxide, BTI, CHC
• Interconnect reliability

Course Objective

Provides the quantum-mechanical underpinnings necessary to describe electron and phonon states in atoms, molecules, and solids — linking material composition and structure with the density of states that governs electronic, optical, and thermal properties. The course minimizes mathematical complexity to build conceptual understanding for materials scientists and engineers.

Topics Covered

• Wave functions & probability in quantum systems
• Schrödinger equation: time-dependent & time-independent
• Quantum wells, barriers & tunneling
• Harmonic oscillator & phonon states
• Hydrogen atom & atomic orbitals
• Spin, angular momentum & selection rules
• Perturbation theory & transition rates
• Band structure & Bloch theorem
• Density of states in 1D, 2D, 3D systems
• Fermi–Dirac statistics & electron transport
• Raman & photoluminescence from first principles
• Thermal conductivity via phonon density of states