TEK9360 – Numerical Simulation of Solar Cells and Other Semiconductor Devices

Course content

The course gives a comprehensive introduction to numerical simulation of various semiconductor devices, with a particular focus on solar cells and photodetectors. This course will start with the fundamental equations and physics behind the many semiconductor devices that surround us, and teach you numerical methods and software tools to solve them.

Learning outcome

The course aims at giving the student a thorough understanding of the following topics:

• Generation, transport and recombination processes in various semiconductor materials
• Numerical methods for solution of the fundamental semiconductor equations
• Simple numerical calculations using Matlab or other programming languages
• Simulation of advanced 2D and 3D device structures using suitable software
• Using lumped circuit-based approaches to simulate complete solar cells, modules and systems.
• Important design principles, how to find and use realistic input data
• Optimization and extraction of key parameters

The course will focus on solar cell simulation; Si, III/V, and II/VI.materials, CIGS and other thin films, and photodetectors, but will also include simulation of MOSFET transistors and other semiconductor components. Specific simulation assignments will be a central part of the course, and choice of device structures can be based on the students own projects.

As a PhD candidate you are expected to demonstrate additional insight into at least one of the topics. You should be able to read updated scientific literature in the field and present this to your fellow students.

Admission to the course

PhD candidates from the University of Oslo should apply for classes and register for examinations through Studentweb.

If a course has limited intake capacity, priority will be given to PhD candidates who follow an individual education plan where this particular course is included. Some national researchers’ schools may have specific rules for ranking applicants for courses with limited intake capacity.

PhD candidates who have been admitted to another higher education institution must apply for a position as a visiting student within a given deadline.

Recommended previous knowledge

The course builds on the knowledge equivalent to a bachelor's degree in physics and assumes basic knowledge of semiconductor physics. One or more of the following courses is an advantage: FYS2210 – Semiconductor Components (continued), MENA3200 – Energy Materials (continued), FYS4310 – Material Science of Semiconductors, TEK5310 – Solar Cells, or equivalent. Basic programming knowledge will also be a great advantage.

Overlapping courses

• 10 credits overlap with TEK5360 – Numerical Simulation of Solar Cells and other Semiconductor Devices (discontinued).

Teaching

The teaching includes 3 hours of lectures and colloquia per week throughout the semester.

There are mandatory assignments which must be approved in order to take the final exam.

As a PhD candidate you are expected to demonstrate additional insight into at least one of the topics. You should be able to read updated scientific literature in the field and present this to your fellow students.

Examination

There will be held an oral exam in the end of the semester, which counts for 100% in the grade assessment.

There are mandatory assignments which must be approved in order to take the final exam. As a ph.d candidate, the presentation on a spesific topic must also be approved in order to take the final exam. 

Examination support material

No examination support material is allowed.

Language of examination

Subjects taught in English will only offer the exam paper in English. You may write your examination paper in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.

Resit an examination

Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a postponed examination at the beginning of the next semester.

Re-scheduled examinations are not offered to students who withdraw during, or did not pass the original examination.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.