| CODE | MNE5412 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Quantum Electronics | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Microelectronics and Nanoelectronics | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | Atomic structure: Spectra, quantum theory, photoelectric effect, radiation dilemma. Bohr's theory of the hydrogen atom; Sommerfeld's modification. Wave mechanics; periodic table. Electron as a Wave: de Broglie's hypothesis, wave packets. Schrodinger's equation for electrons; potential barrier; electron in a potential well; quantum wells and quantum structures. Band Theory of Solids: Kronig-Penney model; allowed and forbidden energy states; Brillouin zone. Conductors, semiconductors and insulators; conduction band and valence band; effective mass. Semiconductors: intrinsic semiconductor; density-of-states; conductivity; mobility. Extrinsic semiconductor: density-of-states; conductivity. Direct and indirect bandgap semiconductors; optical properties. Carrier transport: transport phenomena; drift velocity, two-valley conduction band in a semiconductor; resistivity. Hall effect. Carrier diffusion: Einstein relationship. Carrier injection, potential barrier. Study-Unit Aims: The study-unit presents basic principles describing the behaviour of radiation and matter, particularly in semiconductor materials, as well as giving an insight into carrier transport phenomena. The study-unit looks in detail at semiconductor quantum structures. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: Understand the idea of duality of radiation and matter, the quantum mechanical behaviour of semiconductors and the effect on electrical and optical properties of materials. In addition, students will be able to relate semiconductor quantum properties to electronic and optoelectronic applications. In addition the student will be able to contrast the different properties of silicon and of Group III-V semiconductors and relate them to the effective mass and the bandgap profiles of the different materials. The student will also be able to relate to the chip integration/power relationships making possible the AI revolution. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: Appreciate the ongoing scaling down of IC and MEMS dimensions, and compare material compatibility with electronic, mechanical and optical requirements in nanodevices and smart systems, In addition the student will be able to design simple quantum structures and work out their behaviour. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Tutorial | ||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Joseph Micallef |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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