68606 Solid-state Science and Nanodevices
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular semester, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
UTS: Science: Physics and Advanced MaterialsCredit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 68413 Quantum Physics
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.
Handbook description
This subject provides an introduction to the quantum mechanics of electrons in solids and shows how the basic principles are used to guide the development of nanodevices which have technological applications. The subject has a substantial laboratory component which provides an opportunity to work with nanostructured materials.
Subject objectives/outcomes
At the completion of this subject students are expected to:
- Develop an understanding of how quantum mechanics can be used to understand the electronic properties of crystals.
- Understand how the band structure of a material determines its electronic and optical properties.
- Have an appreciation of how modifying structure at the nanoscale can be used to tailor material properties.
- Understand the major physical concepts governing the operation of modern semiconductor devices.
- Be aware of the fundamental principles of fabrication processes, operation and characteristics of solid-state nanoscale devices.
Contribution to course aims and graduate attributes
1. Discipline knowledge and its appropriate application
a. A comprehensive and well-founded knowledge of solid state physics
b. An understanding of how the knowledge can be put into context
2. Enquiry-oriented approach
a. Ability to undertake methodical analysis of problem solving
b. Ability to modify experiments requiring the application of physical principles to new situations
c. Ability to define and analyse problems
d. Ability to apply critical reasoning to issues through informed judgement
3. Professional skills and their appropriate application
a. Skills in accessing information from various sources including the Internet and the library
b. Ability to collect, analyse and organise information and ideas
c. Ability to learn and work independently
4. Communication skills
a. Ability to convey ideas clearly and fluently in written form
b. Ability to present a physically based argument
5. Initiative and innovative ability
a. Ability to find solutions to problems, innovate and improve current practices
Teaching and learning strategies
- 3 hours per week Lecture/Tutorial
- 2.5 hours per week Lab
Content
The subject focuses on central concepts in solid state science and explains the physical phenomena observed in semiconductors and modern devices based on quantum and statistical physics. Topics include:
Solid state band theory, carriers in semiconductors, carrier transport, optical properties of semiconductors, n-p junction, transistors, defect states in wide band gap semiconductors, excitons, nanoscale characterisation of semiconductors, nanostructures, optoelectronic devices, spintronics, plasmonics.
Assessment
Assessment Item 1: Laboratory Program
| Objective(s): | To practice applying theory in analysis and explanation of solid state phenomena and systems; to develop skills in designing and conducting experiments; to practice team work and scientific communication skills; to develop skills and habits in keeping an orderly log book; to appreciate limitations and uncertainties in techniques and experiments. |
| Weighting: | 15 |
| Criteria: | Students will be provided with details of how a good logbook should be maintained and a marking scheme for written reports. |
Assessment Item 2: Class tests 1 and 2
| Objective(s): | To provide students with early feedback on their progress in this subject; to practice problem-solving and written discussion skills. |
| Weighting: | 25 |
| Criteria: | Questions will be marked against a detailed marking scheme provided by the subject lecturers. |
Assessment Item 3: Examination
| Objective(s): | To assess student understanding of concepts and content covered in this subject over the whole semester. |
| Weighting: | 40 |
| Criteria: | Questions will be marked against a detailed marking scheme provided by the subject lecturers. |
Assessment Item 4: Project
| Intent: | To give students the opportunity to further develop the enquiry skills through answer a research question of their own devising. |
| Objective(s): | You will do a laboratory-based project and write up a formal report. You will likely work in small groups, though each student must submit their own report. |
| Weighting: | 20 |
| Criteria: | In the report, students need to demonstrate a deep understanding of the problem addressed by the experiment and the underlying physics, an ability to document an experiment, analyze data, explain the qualitative and quantitative limits of the results and conclusions, and to write a technical document in a clear and concise manner. In the oral exam, students will need to demonstrate an ability to answer questions about their report and convey a deep level of understanding to an examiner in the role of a scientific referee or a potential employer. |
Minimum requirements
Students need a minimum of 50% to pass in this subject.
You must attain at least 40% in the final exam to pass this subject
Recommended texts
M Grundmann, The Physics of Semiconductors: An Introduction including Devices and Nanophysics, 2nd Edition, Springer, Heidelberg
Other resources
BG Yacobi, Semiconductor Materials: An Introduction to Basic Principles (2003), Kluwer Academic, New York. This book is available on-line through the UTS library.
C Kittel, Introduction to Solid State Physics, 8th edition (2005), Wiley, Hoboken
NJ Rudden and J Wilson, Elements of Solid State Physics, 2nd edition (1993), Wiley, Chichester
