Semiconductor Optoelectronic Devices

Catalog description

The course will present the basic engineering science and technology involved in modern semiconductor optoelectronic devices. E SC 445 Semiconductor Optoelectronic Devices (3) This course deals with the optoelectronic properties of semiconductors and their application in functional devices for detection, emission, amplification and conversion of optical and electrical signals. A comprehensive introduction to the various optical absorption and emission processes in semiconductors is followed by an outline of specific properties of important optoelectronic semiconductors. The physical basis of detectors operating in the visible and near-visible regions is covered with an exploration of various photon detection phenomena present in solids. The devices discussed at length include intrinsic and extrinsic photoconductive detectors, p-n and Schottky detectors, p-i-n and heterojunction devices, avalanche photodiodes and photoemissive detectors, and light emitting and laser diodes Novel structures based on variable gap and superlattice structures are also considered The topical coverage includes basic operating principles, design considerations and performance assessment of each of these devices The course will enable students to apply the physics of optoelectronic devices to applications such as displays, fiber optic communications, imaging, and integrated optoelectronics.The course is offered once every year, and complements related courses on semconductor device offered by the departments of Engineering Science and Mechanics, and Electrical Engineering. Student assessment is from homework, exams and a writing assignment involving a device application note.