Physics of electronic materials: principles and applications

Adopting a uniquely pedagogical approach, this comprehensive textbook on the quantum mechanics of semiconductor materials and devices focuses on the materials, components and devices themselves whilst incorporating a substantial amount of fundamental physics related to condensed matter theory and quantum mechanics. Written primarily for advanced undergraduate students in physics and engineering, this book can also be used as a supporting text for introductory quantum mechanics courses, and will be of interest to anyone interested in how electronic devices function at a fundamental level. Complete with numerous exercises, and with all the necessary mathematics and physics included in appendices, this book guides the reader seamlessly through the principles of quantum mechanics and the quantum theory of metals and semiconductors, before describing in detail how devices are exploited within electric circuits and in the hardware of computers, for example as amplifiers, switches and transistors. Includes numerous exercises throughout, allowing the reader to observe theoretical concepts put to practical use and to learn about the important technological applications of quantum mechanics Assumes only basic mathematical skills, and includes the elementary physics needed for understanding the content of the chapters within the appendices Focuses on the materials, components and devices themselves whilst also incorporating a considerable amount of fundamental physics related to condensed matter theory and quantum mechanics