The physics of semiconductors : with applications to optoelectronic devices

Modern fabrication techniques have made it possible to produce semiconductor devices whose dimensions are so small that quantum mechanical effects dominate their behavior. This book describes the key elements of quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and solid-state physics that are necessary in understanding these modern semiconductor devices. The author begins with a review of elementary quantum mechanics, and then describes more advanced topics, such as multiple quantum wells. He then disusses equilibrium and nonequilibrium statistical mechanics. Following this introduction, he provides a thorough treatment of solid-state physics, covering electron motion in periodic potentials, electron-phonon interaction, and recombination processes. The final four chapters deal exclusively with real devices, such as semiconductor lasers, photodiodes, flat panel displays, and MOSFETs. The book contains many homework exercises and is suitable as a textbook for electrical engineering, materials science, or physics students taking courses in solid-state device physics. It will also be a valuable reference for practicing engineers in optoelectronics and related areas ''Modern fabrication techniques have made it possible to produce semiconductor devices whose dimensions are so small that quantum-mechanical effects dominate their behavior. This book describes the key elements of quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and solid-state physics that are necessary in understanding these modern semiconductor devices. Theoretical results are illustrated with reference to real devices such as photodiodes, flat-panel displays, and metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors.'' ''The book contains many homework exercises and is suitable as a textbook for electrical engineering, materials science, or physics students taking courses in solid-state device physics. It will also be a valuable reference for practicing engineers in optoelectronics and related areas.''--BOOK JACKET. Ch. 1. Basic Concepts in Quantum Mechanics -- Ch. 2. One-Dimensional Potential Problems -- Ch. 3. Three-Dimensional Problems -- Ch. 4. Approximation Methods in Quantum Mechanics -- Ch. 5. Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics -- Ch. 6. Nonequilibrium Statistical Mechanics -- Ch. 7. Multielectron Systems and Crystalline Symmetries -- Ch. 8. Motion of Electrons in a Periodic Potential -- Ch. 9. Phonons and Scattering Mechanisms in Solids -- Ch. 10. Generation and Recombination Processes in Semiconductors -- Ch. 11. Junctions -- Ch. 12. Semiconductor Photonic Detectors -- Ch. 13. Optoelectronic Emitters -- Ch. 14. Field-Effect Devices