What are Some Recommended Books for a PhD Student to Learn about Device Physics?
As the field of semiconductor and superconducting devices continues to evolve, a strong foundation in device physics remains crucial. For semiconductor devices, the technology has been following Moore's Law for decades, but the progress has slowed down significantly at the nano-scale with gate lengths now numbering in the tens of atoms. However, a thorough understanding of device physics is invaluable, and several classic texts continue to serve as the cornerstone for this knowledge.
Classics for Semiconductor Physics
S.M. Sze's Physics of Semiconductor Devices is a staple resource for students. Despite its dry content, the book provides an extensive overview of the foundational materials essential for grasping semiconductor physics. Sze has also authored other variant editions, each offering a different perspective and scope within the field. Another set of highly regarded books in this category is the Modular Series on Solid State Devices Volumes I-IV. These smaller, more focused titles—each around 100-150 pages—offer a deep dive into basic concepts such as pn junctions and bipolar devices, making them highly accessible and easy to read. These books, valued for their clarity, are excellent for building a solid foundation.
Modern and Advanced Topics
For more contemporary topics, such as short channel effects and hot electron effects, classic textbooks and courses may lack sufficient material. However, by exploring the indexes of recent books, one can find comprehensive coverage of these phenomena. Moreover, research papers offer a wealth of information on short channel effects and hot electron effects.
Superconducting Devices and Beyond
The study of superconducting devices introduces a different set of challenges. From a materials science perspective, the berkshire oxides and other high Tc materials offer a vast area for study. Nevertheless, the basic physics governing these devices remains remarkably consistent. For a comprehensive understanding, Principles of Superconductive Devices and Circuits by T. Van Duzer is an invaluable resource. If one wishes to delve deeper into the fundamental physics, Theory of Superconductivity by J.R. Schrieffer is a pioneering work. However, Schrieffer's book can be rather dense, especially for those unfamiliar with advanced nonrelativistic quantum field theory. To complement your studies, it is advisable to supplement Schrieffer's work with more teaching-oriented explanations available from other sources.
In conclusion, while the field of device physics is continually evolving, a strong grounding in the foundational concepts laid out in these classic texts remains essential for any PhD student. By supplementing these with newer research and advanced books, students can develop a comprehensive and robust understanding of device physics, whether in semiconductors or superconducting applications.