Mathematical and Numerical Modelling of Heterostructure Semiconductor Devices: From Theory to Programming

The commercial development of novel semiconductor devices requires that their properties be examined as thoroughly and rapidly as possible. These properties are investigated by obtaining numerical solutions of the highly nonlinear coupled set of equations which govern their behaviour. In particular, the existence of interfaces between different material layers in heterostructures means that quantum solutions must be found in the quantum wells which are formed at these interfaces.

This book presents some of the mathematical and numerical techniques associated with the investigation. It begins with introductions to quantum and statistical mechanics. Later chapters then cover finite differences; multigrids; upwinding techniques; simulated annealing; mesh generation; and the reading of computer code in C++; these chapters are self-contained, and do not rely on the reader having met these topics before. The author explains how the methods can be adapted to the specific needs of device modelling, the advantages and disadvantages of each method, the pitfalls to avoid, and practical hints and tips for successful implementation. Sections of computer code are included to illustrate the methods used.

Written for anyone who is interested in learning about, or refreshing their knowledge of, some of the basic mathematical and numerical methods involved in device modelling, this book is suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, lecturers and researchers working in the fields of electrical engineering and semiconductor device physics, and for students of other mathematical and physical disciplines starting out in device modelling.

Klappentext

Part of my lecturing work in the School of Mathematics at the University of Leeds involved teaching quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics to mathematics undergraduates, and also mathematical methods to undergraduate students in the School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University. The subject of this book has arisen as a result of research collaboration on device modelling with members of the School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering. I wanted to write a book which would be of practical help to those wishing to learn more about the mathematical and numerical methods involved in heteroju- tion device modelling. I have introduced only a comparatively small number of t- ics, and the reader may think that other important topics should have been included. But of the topics which I have introduced, I hope that I have given the reader some practical advice concerning the implementation of the methods which are discussed. This practical advice includes demonstrating how the implementation of the me- ods may be tailored to the speci?c device being modelled, and also includes some sections of computer code to illustrate this implementation. I have also included some background theory regarding the origins of the routines.

Inhalt

Overview and physical equations.- Overview of device modelling.- Quantum mechanics.- Equilibrium thermodynamics and statistical mechanics.- Density of states and applications-1.- Density of states and applications-2.- The transport equations and the device equations.- Mathematical and numerical methods.- Basic approximation and numerical methods.- Fermi and associated integrals.- The upwinding method.- Solution of equations: the Newton and reduced method.- Solution of equations: the phaseplane method.- Solution of equations: the multigrid method.- Approximate and numerical solutions of the Schrödinger equation.- Genetic algorithms and simulated annealing.- Grid generation.