Electronic Materials: (Volumes 63-64 Materials Science Foundations)

The electronic properties of solids have become of increasing importance in the age of information technology. The study of solids and materials, while having originated from the disciplines of physics and chemistry, has evolved independently over the past few decades. The classical treatment of solid-state physics, which emphasized classifications, theories and fundamental physical principles, is no longer able to bridge the gap between materials advances and applications. In particular, the more recent developments in device physics and technology have not necessarily been driven by new concepts in physics or new materials, but rather by the ability of engineers to control crystal structures and properties better via advances in crystal growth and patterning techniques. In many cases, new applications simply arise from the adaptation of conventional ideas to interdisciplinary areas. One example is that of recent advances which rely heavily upon the availability of the sub-micron technology developed by the semiconductor industry. Another example is the emergence of nanotechnology. This book aims to bridge the gap between solid-state physics, materials science and electronics. Its objective is to serve as a textbook covering all three areas, but having the ultimate goal of providing an understanding of the operation of devices. To make this book useful to a broad set of readers, the tendency is to treat the more difficult subjects, such as solid-state physics, using fewer mathematics and including worked examples where possible. By using such an approach, it is possible to include not only basic principles, but also the knowledge needed for applications. Keeping the subject matter at the elementary level as far as possible, the first 2 chapters introduce classical theories and address questions as elementary as, what are solids, before moving on to examine crystal structures and the link between crystal structures and materials properties. In the subsequent chapters, solids are examined in the sequence: metals; semiconductors; insulators; magnetic solids; superconductors; light-sensitive solids. Applications are discussed and examined. The last chapter is devoted to solid-state transducers and their applications. Altogether, this makes for a very accessible introduction to the subject matter.

Table of Contents:
Preamble Table of Contents Chapter I. THE BASIC STRUCTURES OF SOLIDS I-1. Introduction. I-2. Atoms and Binding Forces I-3. Crystal Structures I-4. Crystalline Solids I-5. Polycrystalline and Non-Crystalline Solids I-6. The Phase Diagrams I-7. Techniques on Crystal Growth and Thin Film Deposition I-8. Crystal Imperfection I-9. Diffusion in Solids I-10. Physical Diagnostic Tools Glossary References Exercises for Chapter I Chapter II. ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF SOLIDS II-1. Introduction. II-2. Electrons in a Solid II-3. Energy Distribution of the Electrons II-4. The Energy Band Diagram II-5. Mathematical Formulation of the Conduction Processes II-6. Conductors II-7. Semiconductors II-8. Other Conduction Mechanisms II-9. Velocity Saturation and Negative-Resistance Effect II-10. Insulators Glossary for End-of-Chapter Review References Exercises for Chapter II Chapter III. P-N JUNCTIONS AND RELATED DEVICES III-1. Introduction. III-2. Concept of a P-N Junction III-3. Schottky Junction and its Electronic Properties III-4. Metal-Semiconductor Contact III-5. MIS Junction and Field-Effect Properties III-6. Materials Considerations III-7. Structures and Operation of Transistors III-8. Non-Ideal Effects and other Performance Parameters III-9. New Transistors Glossary for End-of-Chapter Review References Exercises for Chapter III Chapter IV. OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF SOLIDS IV-1. Introduction. IV-2. Review of the Properties of Light IV-3. The Absorption Process IV-4. The Emission Process IV-5. Imagers IV-6. Displays IV-7. Power Generation IV-8. Optical Signal Transmission Media Glossary References Exercises for Chapter IV Chapter V. MAGNETIC AND SUPERCONDUCTING PROPERTIES OF SOLIDS V-1. Introduction V-2. Magnetic Properties of Solids V-3. Sources of Magnetization V-4. Magnetic Anisotropy and Invar Alloys V-5. Amorphous Magnetic Materials V-6. Soft Magnets and Hard Magnets V-7. Magnetic Devices and Applications V-8. Properties of Superconductors V-9. Applications of Superconductors V-10. Superconducting Materials Glossary for End-of-Chapter Review References Exercises for Chapter V Chapter VI. MICROMACHINES, SENSORS AND PACKAGING MATERIALS VI-1. Introduction. VI-2. Micromachining VI-3. Polysilicon Films Used in Micro-Structures VI-4. Applications of Micro-Structures VI-5. Heat and Temperature Sensors VI-6. Displacement and Flow Sensors VI-7. Chemical Sensors VI-8. Optical Sensors VI-9. Design of a Pressure Transducer VI-10. Grounding, Shielding and Interference VI-11. Packaging Materials Glossary for End-of-Chapter Review References Exercises for Chapter VI Appendix