Crystals, Electrons, Transistors


Book Description




Crystal Fire: The Invention of the Transistor and the Birth of the Information Age


Book Description

"Without the invention of the transistor, I'm quite sure that the PC would not exist as we know it today."—Bill Gates On December 16, 1947, John Bardeen and Walter Brattain, physicists at Bell Laboratories, jabbed two electrodes into a sliver of germanium. The power flowing from the germanium far exceeded what went in; in that moment the transistor was invented and the Information Age was born. No other devices have been as crucial to modern life as the transistor and the microchip it spawned, but the story of the science and personalities that made these inventions possible has not been fully told until now. Crystal Fire fills this gap and carries the story forward. William Shockley, Bell Labs' team leader and co-recipient of the Nobel Prize with Brattain and Bardeen for the discovery, grew obsessed with the transistor and went on to become the father of Silicon Valley. Here is a deeply human story about the process of invention — including the competition and economic aspirations involved — all part of the greatest technological explosion in history. The intriguing history of the transistor — its inventors, physics, and stunning impact on society and the economy — unfolds here in a richly told tale."—Science News "Thoroughly accessible to lay readers as well as the techno-savvy. . . . [A] fine book."—Publishers Weekly




Semiconductor Nanocrystals and Metal Nanoparticles


Book Description

Semiconductor nanocrystals and metal nanoparticles are the building blocks of the next generation of electronic, optoelectronic, and photonic devices. Covering this rapidly developing and interdisciplinary field, the book examines in detail the physical properties and device applications of semiconductor nanocrystals and metal nanoparticles. It begins with a review of the synthesis and characterization of various semiconductor nanocrystals and metal nanoparticles and goes on to discuss in detail their optical, light emission, and electrical properties. It then illustrates some exciting applications of nanoelectronic devices (memristors and single-electron devices) and optoelectronic devices (UV detectors, quantum dot lasers, and solar cells), as well as other applications (gas sensors and metallic nanopastes for power electronics packaging). Focuses on a new class of materials that exhibit fascinating physical properties and have many exciting device applications. Presents an overview of synthesis strategies and characterization techniques for various semiconductor nanocrystal and metal nanoparticles. Examines in detail the optical/optoelectronic properties, light emission properties, and electrical properties of semiconductor nanocrystals and metal nanoparticles. Reviews applications in nanoelectronic devices, optoelectronic devices, and photonic devices.




Principles of Transistor Circuits


Book Description

Over the last 40 years, Principles of Transistor Circuits has provided students and practitioners with a text they can rely on to keep them at the forefront of transistor circuit design. Although integrated circuits have widespread application, the role of discrete transistors both as important building blocks which students must understand, and as practical solutions to design problems, remains undiminished. The ninth edition has been thoroughly updated to cover the latest technology and applications, including computer circuit simulation, and many diagrams have been revised to bring them in line with current usage. Updated topics include thyristors, Darlington transistors, amplifiers, ring modulators, power supplies, optoelectronics and logic circuits. - The transistor circuits bible - Updated with new developments in technology and applications - Accessible step-by-step introduction ideal for noviceS







Properties and Applications of Transistors


Book Description

Properties and Applications of Transistors focuses on the evolution of transistors as one of the essential elements of modern electronics. The book first provides information on the physical principles of transistors, including conductivity of semiconductors, junction transistors, and transistor technology. The text also looks at the general discussion of linear two-ports. Topics include equivalent circuits for a two-port; relations between the two-ports corresponding to the possible methods of connection of transistors; and elements of matrix algebra. The selection also highlights the capabilities of transistors as linear-amplifiers. The stability and neutralization of transistors; measurement of power gain; transistors with complex base resistance; and point contact transistors at low frequencies are discussed. The text also looks at the maximum ratings of transistors, including maximum voltage and current, cooling by natural convection, and thermal runaway. The book is a vital reference for readers wanting to study transistors.







Nanowire Transistors


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A self-contained and up-to-date account of the current developments in the physics and technology of nanowire semiconductor devices.




Organic Field-Effect Transistors


Book Description

The remarkable development of organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) has led to their emerging use in active matrix flat-panel displays, radio frequency identification cards, and sensors. Exploring one class of OTFTs, Organic Field-Effect Transistors provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary survey of the present theory, charge transport studies, synthetic methodology, materials characterization, and current applications of organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). Covering various aspects of OFETs, the book begins with a theoretical description of charge transport in organic semiconductors at the molecular level. It then discusses the current understanding of charge transport in single-crystal devices, small molecules and oligomers, conjugated polymer devices, and charge injection issues in organic transistors. After describing the design rationales and synthetic methodologies used for organic semiconductors and dielectric materials, the book provides an overview of a variety of characterization techniques used to probe interfacial ordering, microstructure, molecular packing, and orientation crucial to device performance. It also describes the different processing techniques for molecules deposited by vacuum and solution, followed by current technological examples that employ OTFTs in their operation. Featuring respected contributors from around the world, this thorough, up-to-date volume presents both the theory behind OFETs and the latest applications of this promising technology.




How Transistor Area Shrank by 1 Million Fold


Book Description

​This book explains in layman’s terms how CMOS transistors work. The author explains step-by-step how CMOS transistors are built, along with an explanation of the purpose of each process step. He describes for readers the key inventions and developments in science and engineering that overcame huge obstacles, enabling engineers to shrink transistor area by over 1 million fold and build billions of transistor switches that switch over a billion times a second, all on a piece of silicon smaller than a thumbnail.