Courses
Syllabuses
Course Description
The MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor) is the most successful device in the history of electronics. It is one of the most manufactured devices ever, exceeding several billion per capita. One smartphone alone contains more than 3 billion transistors!
This course will enable you to understand what transistors are, how they work, and why they are so important in today’s integrated circuits. To this end, we will explore how semiconductor materials can be used to make basic devices including pn-junctions and metal-semiconductor contacts. At the end of the semester, you will be able to design a transistor to specifications and apply the concepts you have learned to a vast array of semiconductor devices.
Course Objectives
This course will enable you to …
- Explain to a non-expert how a transistor works.
- Answer the question: “What makes the MOSFET the most successful electronic device ever?“
- Design a transistor and a diode to specifications.
- Use energy band diagrams to explain the operation principles of advanced semiconductor devices.
Instructor
Xu Yi, Associate Professor ECE, yi@virginia.edu, Office: Thornton Hall E220, Office hours: TBD.
Teaching Assistant: TBD
Instructor office hour: TBD. Location: Thornton E220.
TA office hour: TBD. Location: TBD.
Course Meetings
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:00 –10:50 AM at Olsson Hall 001.
How your progress will be evaluated:
Quizzes (not graded, no due): Short quiz to (self-) assess your level of understanding is in the "Resources" tab.
Reading assignments with questions followed by short in-class discussions (not graded).
Homework: You will practice how to apply the physics we developed in class to solve concrete problems. You will become familiar with the units and scales we encounter in semiconductor devices. You are encouraged to work in groups, although all work that is turned in must be your own, i.e. not identical to another student's homework. It will be necessary to use Mathcad, Matlab, or similar software to complete some of the homework problems questions. All work must be shown for each solution to receive full credit. Homework is graded, the homework grade (based on all homework assignments) counts ca. 40 % towards your final grade.
Three exams: The focus of each exam is to assess your level of understanding of the concepts in semiconductor device physics. Exams are graded, each exam counts ca. 20 % towards your final grade.
Details of exams:
(1) First mid-term: early Oct, in class, 50 mins, close book (equations and notes will be provided). Content: from the first lecture to the extrinsic semiconductor. Difficulty level: much easier than homework, almost no calculation.
(2) Second mid-term: early Nov. Format: TBD.
(3) Final exam: Final weeks. Take home, open-book exam.
AI tools, such as chatGPT, are allowed in homework and open-book exams. However, the chat history with the AI tools has to be submitted with your homework and exam answers together.
Students are expected to attend class and participate in Q&A, quizzes, and discussions.
Throughout class we will use multiple resources to gather information (textbook, Wikipedia, research papers, videos). Together we will identify what are useful and credible resources for our course. You are welcome to bring your web-enabled device to class.
The class notes, homework assignments, solutions, and reading assignments will be posted on our class website in Collab. – Check the page frequently for updates.
Prerequisite
This course is intended for undergraduate students who have an interest in microelectronics. College-level calculus including ordinary differential equations is required. A basic course in circuits is helpful but not required. No prior knowledge of Quantum Mechanics is assumed.
Textbooks
“Semiconductor Physics and Devices” (4th edition), Donald A. Neamen (ISBN 0-07-352958-5).
Other Reference Materials:
"Solid State Electronic Devices" by B.G. Streetman, S.K. Banerjee (7th edition).
“Advanced Semiconductor Fundamentals” (paperback) by R.F. Pierret (2003)
“Semiconductor Device Fundamentals” by R.F. Pierret (1996)
“Semiconductor Devices: Physics and Technology” by S.M. Sze (2002)
“Physics of Semiconductor Devices 3rd Edition” by S.M. Sze and K. K. Ng (2007)
Some Class Topics
- Crystals and Semiconductor Materials
- Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
- Application to Semiconductor Crystals – Energy Bands
- Carriers and Statistics
- Recombination-Generation Processes
- Carrier Transport Mechanisms
- P-N Junctions
- Metal-Semiconductor Contacts – Schottky Diodes
- Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Transistor (MOSFET)
- MOSFET Operation and Scaling
- Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJT)
- Optoelectronic Devices (solar cell, photodiode, LED, laser)
- (Crystal growth, device fabrication, memory devices, CCD)
UVA is committed to creating a learning environment that meets the needs of its diverse student body. If you anticipate or experience any barriers to learning in this course, please feel welcome to discuss your concerns with me. If you have a disability, or think you may have a disability, you may also want to meet with the Student Disability Access Center (SDAC), to request an official accommodation. You can find more information about SDAC, including how to apply online, through their website at sdac.studenthealth.virginia.edu. If you have already been approved for accommodations through SDAC, please make sure to send me your accommodation letter and meet with me so we can develop an implementation plan together.
Course syllabus
Lecture recordings from 2020 fall semester are available in the Youtube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1oGCa9XVlcT_pMxTSlPMtDHCOzER98zSLinks to an external site.
Prerequisites:
APMA 1110 - Single Variable Calculus II, APMA 2120 - Multivariable Calculus, PHYS 1425 - General Physics I: Mechanics, Thermodynamics
Note: PHYS 1425 and APMA 2130 can be taken at the same time with this course. Only a small fraction of the content in these two courses will be used in this quantum class.
Examinations and Grading: Homework (40%), Midterm exam (midterm exam 30%, final exam 30%), or Mini project to substitute final exam (30%).
Textbook (recommend):
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, by David J. Griffiths.
Quantum Mechanics for Scientists and Engineers, by David A. B. Miller.
Quantum Mechanics in Simple Matrix Form, by Thomas Jordan.
Reading Material:
Quantum Computation and Quantum Information, by Michael Nielsen and Isaac Chuang.
Course description:
Quantum mechanics is one of the most important discoveries in the 20thcentury and has reshaped today’s science and technology. The rapid development in quantum computation and information is calling for a revolution in engineering and computation. Quantum information and quantum computing is fundamentally different from the classical computers. In order to understand how to build and use a quantum computer, we will review the birth of quantum mechanics and introduce the basic ideas and principles of quantum mechanics. The fundamental concepts in quantum information and computing, such as qubit, entanglement and squeezing, will be discussed. Finally, we will take a quick tour at the physics platform candidates for quantum computing implementation, and the IBM Q quantum computing resources.
Course objectives:
1. To expose our students to the basic concepts and principles of quantum mechanics.
2. To provide students with the tool to solve simple quantum problems using Schrödinger equation.
3. To introduce the ideas and concepts of quantum computation and quantum information.
Note: The course will differentiate itself from the Quantum Mechanics course (PHY 3650, 3660) taught in Physics department. We will not explore the contents where nontrivial mathematical formalism, such as complex Hilbert space, are required. Contents that are physics oriented will be avoided as well, such as identical particle statistics, the variational principle, the WKB approximation, scattering and partial wave analysis.
Course outline:
Chapter 1: Introduction to the quantum world
- Can you win this probability game? A peek of Schrodinger’s cat and uncertainty principle.
- Where it started: the cloud of classical physics - ultraviolet catastrophe.
- Quanta? Photoelectric Effect.
- Particle and wave duality for electron in hydrogen atom.
Chapter 2: Quantum 101
- The birth of Schrödinger equation.
- The probability wave and Schrödinger’s cat.
- Quantum operators and uncertainty principle.
- The Postulates of quantum mechanics.
Chapter 3: Physics system with quantum mechanics
- Quantum well system: a quantum system in your iPhone.
- Practice quantum postulates with quantum well system.
- Harmonics Oscillator and photons.
- Prepare for quantum information/computation: Dirac notation.
Chapter 4: Quantum information 101
- Qubit: why is it better than classical bit?
- The EPR paradox: do qubits communicate fast than speed of light?
- Entanglement 1: teleportation.
- Entanglement 2: quantum cryptography and key distribution- no eavesdropper.
Chapter 5: Quantum computer 101
- Quantum gate vs. classical gate.
- Quantum algorithm.
- How to build a quantum computer?
- Hands-on time: the IBM Q quantum computer.
Course syllabus
This course will feature weekly seminars by ECE guest speakers and student-led discussions on cutting-edge electrical and computer engineering research themes, including IoT; artificial intelligence & machine learning; health & medical applications; modern devices (nanoelectronics, photonics, renewable energy); applications for astronomy; and emerging quantum technology. No prerequisite, no homework, no exam, and students will be evaluated by class participation.
The tentative schedule of this class (year 2023):
01/19
ECE in science: exoplanet detection.
Xu Yi
01/26
ECE in science: imaging a blackhole.
Xu Yi
02/02
UVA detectors for Blackhole imaging
Bobby Weikle
02/09
UVA IFAB cleanroom facility tour
Art Lichtenberger
02/16
Hardware AI or general CpE research
Mircea Stan, CpE director
02/23
Machine Learning
Yunshun Dong
03/02
Internet of Things
Ben Calhoun
03/16
Modern Electronics Devices
Avik Ghosh
03/23
Undergrad/grad research (student speakers)
Ethan, Xiangwen
03/30
Quantum Technology
Emily Parnell
04/06
Renewable energy
Mona Zebarjadi
04/13
Biological image analysis
Scott Acton
04/20
Machine learning & artificial intelligence
Nikos Sidiropoulos
04/27
ECE for bio/medical applications: carbon nanotube for DNR recognition.
Keith Williams
Course Description
The MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor) is the most successful device in the history of electronics. It is one of the most manufactured devices ever, exceeding several billion per capita. One smartphone alone contains more than 3 billion transistors!
This course will enable you to understand what transistors are, how they work, and why they are so important in today’s integrated circuits. To this end, we will explore how semiconductor materials can be used to make basic devices including pn-junctions and metal-semiconductor contacts. At the end of the semester, you will be able to design a transistor to specifications and apply the concepts you have learned to a vast array of semiconductor devices.
Course Objectives
This course will enable you to …
- Explain to a non-expert how a transistor works.
- Answer the question: “What makes the MOSFET the most successful electronic device ever?“
- Design a transistor and a diode to specifications.
- Use energy band diagrams to explain the operation principles of advanced semiconductor devices.
Instructor
Xu Yi, Assistant Professor ECE, yi@virginia.edu, Office: Thornton Hall E220, Office hours: TBD.
Teaching Assistant: TBD
Instructor office hour: TBD. Location: Thornton E220.
TA office hour: TBD. Location: TBD.
Course Meetings
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:00 –10:50 AM at Rice Hall 340.
How your progress will be evaluated:
Quizzes (not graded, no due): Short quiz to (self-) assess your level of understanding is in the "Resources" tab.
Reading assignments with questions followed by short in-class discussions (not graded).
Homework: You will practice how to apply the physics we developed in class to solve concrete problems. You will become familiar with the units and scales we encounter in semiconductor devices. You are encouraged to work in groups, although all work that is turned in must be your own, i.e. not identical to another student's homework. It will be necessary to use Mathcad, Matlab, or similar software to complete some of the homework problems questions. All work must be shown for each solution to receive full credit. Homework is graded, the homework grade (based on all homework assignments) counts ca. 40 % towards your final grade.
Three exams: The focus of each exam is to assess your level of understanding of the concepts in semiconductor device physics. Exams are graded, each exam counts ca. 20 % towards your final grade.
Details of exams:
(1) First mid-term: early Oct, in class, 50 mins, close book (equations and notes will be provided). Content: from the first lecture to the extrinsic semiconductor. Difficulty level: much easier than homework, almost no calculation.
(2) Second mid-term: early Nov. Take home, open-book exam. Exam time: 5 hours with 4 arbitrary long breaks. Difficulty level: 40% similar level to the first mid-term, 40% similar to homework, and 20% challenging problems.
(3) Final exam: Final weeks. Take home, open-book exam. Exam time: 5 hours with 4 arbitrary long breaks. Difficulty level: similar to second mid-term.
Students are expected to attend class and participate in Q&A, quizzes, and discussions.
Throughout class we will use multiple resources to gather information (textbook, Wikipedia, research papers, videos). Together we will identify what are useful and credible resources for our course. You are welcome to bring your web-enabled device to class.
The class notes, homework assignments, solutions, and reading assignments will be posted on our class website in Collab. – Check the page frequently for updates.
Prerequisite
This course is intended for undergraduate students who have an interest in microelectronics. College-level calculus including ordinary differential equations is required. A basic course in circuits is helpful but not required. No prior knowledge of Quantum Mechanics is assumed.
Textbooks
“Semiconductor Physics and Devices” (4th edition), Donald A. Neamen (ISBN 0-07-352958-5).
Other Reference Materials:
"Solid State Electronic Devices" by B.G. Streetman, S.K. Banerjee (7th edition).
“Advanced Semiconductor Fundamentals” (paperback) by R.F. Pierret (2003)
“Semiconductor Device Fundamentals” by R.F. Pierret (1996)
“Semiconductor Devices: Physics and Technology” by S.M. Sze (2002)
“Physics of Semiconductor Devices 3rd Edition” by S.M. Sze and K. K. Ng (2007)
Some Class Topics
- Crystals and Semiconductor Materials
- Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
- Application to Semiconductor Crystals – Energy Bands
- Carriers and Statistics
- Recombination-Generation Processes
- Carrier Transport Mechanisms
- P-N Junctions
- Metal-Semiconductor Contacts – Schottky Diodes
- Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Transistor (MOSFET)
- MOSFET Operation and Scaling
- Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJT)
- Optoelectronic Devices (solar cell, photodiode, LED, laser)
- (Crystal growth, device fabrication, memory devices, CCD)
UVA is committed to creating a learning environment that meets the needs of its diverse student body. If you anticipate or experience any barriers to learning in this course, please feel welcome to discuss your concerns with me. If you have a disability, or think you may have a disability, you may also want to meet with the Student Disability Access Center (SDAC), to request an official accommodation. You can find more information about SDAC, including how to apply online, through their website at sdac.studenthealth.virginia.edu. If you have already been approved for accommodations through SDAC, please make sure to send me your accommodation letter and meet with me so we can develop an implementation plan together.
Grading policy:
Homework (60%), mid-term (20%), final (20%).
Option: students can request to waive certain homework or all homework, and the homework score will be substituted by the exam scores. For example, if you option out all our homework, then your final grade will be mid-term (50%), final (50%).
Prerequisites: ECE 3209-Electromagnetic field
Textbook (recommend)
Quantum Electronics, by Amnon Yariv; A newer version is named "Photonics: optical electronics in modern communications".
Nonlinear optics, by Robert W. Boyd
Nonlinear fiber optics, by Govind P. Agrawal.
Quantum Optics, by Marlan O. Scully
Course description:
Quantum electronics, the study of light and matter interaction, has become the cornerstone in many areas of optical science and technology. The course will start with reviewing the principle of lasers followed by introducing the generalized nonlinear wave equations. This course will cover typical nonlinear effects and their applications in telecommunication, ultrafast laser, quantum computing/information, and chemical/bio spectroscopy.
Course Objectives:
• Provide a thorough foundation of nonlinear optics origin and the approaches to solve nonlinear Maxwell equations, including both second-order and third-order nonlinear effects.
• Provide students with an understanding of nonlinear optics effect and phase matching in optical fibers, chip-based waveguide semiconductor devices, and microresonators.
• Provide a detailed discussion of several significant nonlinear devices including frequency doubler, parametric oscillator, electro-optic modulator, and mode-locked femtosecond lasers.
• Provide an introduction to ongoing nonlinear research, including quantum information/computing, nonlinear spectroscopy, optical frequency comb and etc.
Course Contents:
• Chapter 1: Review of Maxwell Equations.
• Chapter 2: Introduction to light and matter interaction: the basic principle of laser.
• Chapter 3: Introduction to nonlinear optics.
• Chapter 4: 2nd order nonlinear optics devices: frequency doubler, electro-optic modulators, parametric amplifier, and parametric oscillator.
• Chapter 5: 3rd order nonlinear optics devices: four-wave mixing and optical frequency combs, wave equations in optical fiber, and Raman and Brillouin scattering.
• Chapter 6: Quantization of light (not required for 4501 in exams).
• Chapter 7: Full quantum picture of light and matter interaction (not required for 4501 in exams).