Electronic Materials

Course Description

This course explores how materials determine the performance, reliability, and limits of electronic devices. Students learn the physics of electronic materials—band structure, carrier transport, and defect impacts—alongside classical and quantum views of electrical and thermal conduction. Topics include advanced CMOS materials (high-k dielectrics, metal gates, strain engineering, interconnects), wide-bandgap semiconductors (SiC, GaN, Ga2O3) for power and RF systems, and magnetic materials for memory, power conversion, and spintronics. Students also gain experience with materials characterization techniques (XRD, SEM/TEM, C-V, I-V, Hall) while examining industry challenges such as harsh-environment reliability, emerging memory technologies (MRAM, PCM, RRAM), and integration issues like diffusion barriers and thermal stability. Prerequisite(s): ***Mechanical Engineering students only: Must complete core course first (EN.535.641 Mathematical Methods for Engineers).***

Code

EN.525.606

Credits

3

Subject

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Programs That Include This Course

• Master's Applied Physics, Master of Science
• Master's Electrical and Computer Engineering, Master of Science
• Master's Materials Science and Engineering, Master of Science
• Master's Mechanical Engineering, Master of Science