Undergraduate Semiconductor Characterization Laboratory

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The faculty of the Electrical & Computer Engineering Department, in conjunction with the physics faculty in the Science & Mathematics Department, at GMI Engineering & Management Institute (GMI-EMI) have recognized the need for upgrading the electronics curriculum to include more comprehensive coverage of solid state materials and devices. To this end, a course Solid State Devices, was added to the curriculum to provide undergraduates with a workable theoretical background in the field. Through this project, GMI-EMI adds a laboratory component to the course. Such a supplement enhances understanding by providing a hands-on !earning environment where students can practice the science of solid state device characterization and correlate their observations with well established theories. Specifically, the solid state materials and device curriculum component at GMI-EMI is enhanced by adding experimental investigations in the areas of: 1. Fundamental semiconductor transport parameters; 2. Deep energy impurity levels; 3.P-N junction device characterization; and 4. MOS device characterization. The proposed experiments are intended to foster a depth of understanding, an appreciation for theoretical models, a sense of practicality, and an element of interest, excitement and enthusiasm among students. The major equipment purchased includes current sources, electrometers, capacitance meter, monochromator, cryostats, and microcomputer hardware/software for instrument control and data acquisition. This equipment facilitates dynamic laboratory investigations and promotes clear conceptual understanding for the students.