Quantum Phenomena

Quantum mechanical phenomena are playing an increasingly important role in our understanding of device physics and material properties. Macroscopic descriptions are no longer adequate and it is important that graduate students in solid state electronics be exposed to the language and concepts of microscopic physics. A student cannot acquire the relevant background simply by taking one course in quantum mechanics. To appreciate the conceptual framework of microscopic physics, one has to take courses not only in quantum mechanics, but also in statistical mechanics and solid state physics. This requires many semesters of physics-related coursework that the average electrical engineering graduate student does not have the time for. The purpose of this book is to provide a concise one-semester introduction to the relevant concepts of quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics and solid state physics using device-related examples that are of interest to electrical engineers. We are using this book at Purdue to teach a course (EE 659 : Quantum Phenomena in Semiconductors) intended for master’s level students in Electrical Engineering. It is designed for graduate students who are familiar with linear algebra, with semiconductor fundamentals and/or engineering electromagnetics, but who have no significant prior acquaintance with either quantum mechanics or statistical mechanics or solid state physics. This course has been taught regularly for over ten years.