Friday, May 9, 2014

Midterm. due Tuesday, noon.

OK, here it is. Please post here regarding any questions, errors or ambiguities. This seems a little long, longer than I was hoping for. If you identify any questions that seem not so important-- that do not seem to have a point -- please post a comment on that here and maybe we can try to shorten it. Your thoughts are welcome. Please keep checking here for possible updates, corrections or clarifications.
* (problem 4 corrected, Saturday 8:40 PM)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_GIlXrjJVn4aGJ6X25CaWowSDg/edit?usp=sharing

23 comments:

  1. When is this due again?

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  2. For problem 2b), would you mind if we got a computer solution or would you prefer us to solve it with approximations?

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    1. approximations. You can check them with a computer solution if you like, but please turn in a solution that uses approximations.

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  3. Does the density of states equal zero at the edges of the conduction band in the equilateral DOS from problem 2?

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  4. Problem 2 was very interesting. I really liked it. Are there ever times where we approximate the CB as a triangular band as opposed to a constant band. You mentioned in class that the edge of the conduction band can be approximated as a parabola so I'm wondering if this is a way to approximate the band.

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  6. In problem number 5, you ask for a range of workfunction that would create an always on state. How many free flowing electrons at the interphase would be enough to consider the transistor to be "on"? I am thinking it might be around 10^15 but I really don't know.

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    1. Also, is there any reason why you gave us a particular reason why you gave us the recombination time in problem 4, even though you did not give us the diffusion coefficient? Can I leave my answer in terms of tau or should I plug in numbers where I can?

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    2. 10^15 or 10^16 sounds reasonable.

      I think I am going to have to fix problem 4. Thanks for pointing that out.

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  7. To solve number 5 numerically, wouldn't we have to know DOS or something that will lead us to the DOS? Unless I'm missing something, I don't think we have enough information as it is.

    Also, what do you mean by 1017 and 1015 on the extra credit problem?

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    1. "Also, what do you mean by 1017 and 1015 ..."
      I don't think you have the correct version of the midterm. Try downloading again.

      You can use the DOS from problem 1 (for 5) if you like.

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    2. With D=10^22 and 10^15 as the n which allows significant current, we get a strange situation where n>10^15 everywhere just because mu is too close to Ec. Is this intended? This won't even function as a transistor because the semiconductor is conductive everywhere.

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  9. To determine an exact answer for #4b, don't we need to have the applied voltage?

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  10. I'm confused about 4. Where is x=0 on the semiconductor? d is the part where the two type meet; is x=0 the edge of the depletion zone? Then would < 0 be in between the depletion zone and the junction?

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  11. " is x=0 the edge of the depletion zone?"
    Yes.

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  12. Is it reasonable to get preposterously huge current values for #6?

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  13. Would you like a numerical answer for number 4? I found an expression for the current density but it seems that there are a few perimeters that aren't given.

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