The aim of the course is that the students understand and know: - the physico-chemical mechanisms at the basis of the operation of the semiconductors; - the physics of the devices based on these materials; - the interaction between particles (electrons, photons) and the matter; - the structure-properties interaction in semiconductors; - the mode of operation of the main basic devices; - the basic principles of materials for electronics and optoelectronics; - the main technologies used for the preparation of semiconductor materials; - some characterization techniques; - some innovative materials, processes or applications. The course aim at the students comprehension of the physical phenomena at the basis of functional materials and of the way used by technology to bring further development. Pure knowledge, without a suitable understanding, is not active sought during the course.

The course of Science and Technology of Functional Materials requires knowledge in: - mathematical analysis (base knowledge, derivatives, integrals, functions, development in series, basic knowledge on Fourier transforms) - physics I (basis concepts on: dynamics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics) - chemistry (basis concepts on: chemical bond, intermolecular interactions, states of the matter, equilibriums, kinetics, thermodynamics, organic chemistry) - physics II (electrical and magnetic properties, electromagnetic waves, optics) - science and technology of materials (all subjects) Particularly important are the knowledge of physics II and in particular of science and technology of materials.

The course comprehends the following subjects: Classification of materials. Semiconducting materials. Properties of materials, with a particular attention to semiconducting materials: crystallography and defects, electrical, thermal, magnetic and optic properties, elements on nanoscale materials properties. Transport in semiconductors. Doping. Pn junction. Transistors. Precursors of silicon and of III-V materials. Growth of monocrystals of Si, III-V materials and other semiconductors. Wafering of substrates and process control. Clean room and production sites. Lithography, deposition, oxidation, etching, diffusion, ionic implantation. Integrated circuits technology. Optoelectronic devices technology. Characterization techniques: optical and electronic microscopy, SPM microscopies, elements of RBS, SIMS. Nucleation and crystal growth. Epitaxial growth techniques. Heterojunctions. Quantum wells. Optoelectronic devices. Optical fibres. Materials for photonic devices. Safety of materials, recycle of functional materials, responsible engineering. Exercises of calculations: waves and particles, transport in semiconductors, pn junction, diffusion. Group exercised and laboratories: dismounting of electronic equipment, cutting and preparation of sample for observation at optical and electronic microscope. Groups presentations. Seminars: presentations on subjects close to the course.

The course will be organized with: - lectures; - exercises in the classroom (with particular attention to the ability of carry out complex calculations without errors); - group exercise and laboratories, based on the analysis of real electronic devices; - seminars of internal or external teachers.

No single textbook exists, the references will be given during the course. However, as a general reference, the following books are suggested: - Sze. Semiconductor devices, Wiley - a book on microfabrication, for instance: Franssila. Introduction to microfabrication. Wiley The teachers will provide the student with the course slides, before or after the classes.

Exam: Written test; Compulsory oral exam; Individual essay;

The exam will consist in three parts: - preparation of a report, named "how it works", in which every student will choose an object, device, technology or process, and will describe it in a limited number of characters, putting first the explanation with respect to the description. At the oral exam he/she will present this report in a few minutes, explaining how the object/device/... works. - written part, of 1 h duration, during which the students will have to solve 3 exercises, similar to others already seen during the exercises in the classroom. The aim of this written part is to demonstrate competence in executing complex calculations without errors. During the written exam, it will be forbidden to use one's own material, however all the students will receive a formulary where it will be present all the data and the formulas needed to complete the proposed exercises. For the written exam it is necessary to have a calculator that allow logarithms and exponentials. - oral part. First of all, the students will have to present in a few minutes the prepared report, and to demonstrate to be able to answer to questions on explanation or in depth examination of the selected topic. Afterwards, the students will be required to demonstrate their understanding of the subjects treated during the course. During the oral, in order to pass the examination, the understanding of the phenomena will be put first with respect to the pure mnemonic knowledge. The three parts of the exam will be used to determine the overall evaluation of the students. Approximately, the report is worth no more than 20% of the total mark, while the written part no more than 30%. However, the teacher reserve its right to modify these percentages depending on the particular case.

In addition to the message sent by the online system, students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are invited to directly inform the professor in charge of the course about the special arrangements for the exam that have been agreed with the Special Needs Unit. The professor has to be informed at least one week before the beginning of the examination session in order to provide students with the most suitable arrangements for each specific type of exam.