Enquiry for Course Details
PHYS7751 Device physics (6 credits) Academic Year 2026
Offering Department Physics Quota ---
Course Co-ordinator Prof M H Xie, Physics < mhxie@hku.hk >
Teachers Involved (Prof M H Xie,Physics)
Course Objectives The growth in the past 70 years of modern electronics industry has had great impact on society and everyday life, the foundation of which rests upon the semiconductor physics and devices. This course aims at presenting a comprehensive introductory account of the physics and operational principles of some selected and yet classic semiconductor devices, microelectronic and optoelectronic. The text is primarily designed for postgraduates but can be of interest to senior undergraduates in physics, electrical and electronic engineering and materials science. Students are assumed to have acquired some basic knowledge of quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and solid state physics, though a review of the physics of semiconductors will be given in the beginning of the course.
Course Contents & Topics This course begins by giving a review of solid state physics, particularly of the physics of semiconductors. It is then followed by discussions of the fundamentals and practical aspects of PN-junctions and rectifying diodes, amplifying and switching devices like bipolar and field-effect transistors (e.g., MOSFET), light-emitting and detection devices such as LEDs, laser diodes, and photodetectors. If time allows, a brief discussion of some special devices will be presented.
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

CLO 1 understand basic working principles of selected devices
CLO 2 understand the device performance merits and their characterization methods
CLO 3 be acquainted with the processing technology and steps of device fabrications
Pre-requisites
(and Co-requisites and
Impermissible combinations)		 Pass in PHYS3550 and PHYS4351 and PHYS4551.
This course is mutually exclusive with PHYS8751.
Course Status with Related Major/Minor /Professional Core 2026 Major in Physics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2026 Major in Physics (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2026 Minor in Astronomy ( Disciplinary Elective )
2026 Minor in Physics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Major in Physics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Major in Physics (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Minor in Astronomy ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Minor in Physics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Physics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Physics (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Minor in Astronomy ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Minor in Physics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Physics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Physics (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Minor in Astronomy ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Minor in Physics ( Disciplinary Elective )
Course to PLO Mapping 2026 Major in Physics < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2026 Major in Physics (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2025 Major in Physics < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2025 Major in Physics (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2024 Major in Physics < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2024 Major in Physics (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2023 Major in Physics < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2023 Major in Physics (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
Offer in 2026 - 2027 Y        2nd sem    Examination May     
Offer in 2027 - 2028 Y
Course Grade A+ to F
Grade Descriptors
A Demonstrate thorough mastery at an advanced level of extensive knowledge and skills required for attaining all the course learning outcomes. Show strong analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, with evidence of original thought, and ability to apply knowledge to a wide range of complex, familiar and unfamiliar situations. Apply highly effective organizational and presentational skills.
B Demonstrate substantial command of a broad range of knowledge and skills required for attaining at least most of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, and ability to apply knowledge to familiar and some unfamiliar situations. Apply effective organizational and presentational skills.
C Demonstrate general but incomplete command of knowledge and skills required for attaining most of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of some analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, and ability to apply knowledge to most familiar situations. Apply moderately effective organizational and presentational skills.
D Demonstrate partial but limited command of knowledge and skills required for attaining some of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of some coherent and logical thinking, but with limited analytical and critical abilities. Show limited ability to apply knowledge to solve problems. Apply limited or barely effective organizational and presentational skills.
Fail Demonstrate little or no evidence of command of knowledge and skills required for attaining the course learning outcomes. Lack of analytical and critical abilities, logical and coherent thinking. Show very little or no ability to apply knowledge to solve problems. Organization and presentational skills are minimally effective or ineffective.
Communication-intensive Course N
Course Type Lecture-based course
Course Teaching
& Learning Activities
Activities Details No. of Hours
Lectures 36.0
Tutorials 12.0
Reading / Self study 80.0
Assessment Methods
and Weighting
Methods Details Weighting in final
course grade (%)		 Assessment Methods
to CLO Mapping
Assignments 20.0 1,2,3
Examination 2-hour written exam 50.0 1,2,3
Test 30.0 1,2,3
Required/recommended reading
and online materials		 Solid State Electronic Devices (5th ed.), by B.G. Streetman and S. Benerjee
Semiconductor Physics and Devices, Basic Principles (3rd ed.), by D.A. Neamen
Physics of Semiconductor Devices (2nd ed.), by S.M. Sze
Course Website http://moodle.hku.hk
Additional Course Information


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