This book describes semiconductors from a materials science perspective rather than from condensed matter physics or electrical engineering viewpoints. It includes discussion of current approaches to organic materials for electronic devices. It further describes the fundamental aspects of thin film nucleation and growth, and the most common physical and chemical vapor deposition techniques. Examples of the application of the concepts in each chapter to specific problems or situations are included, along with recommended readings and homework problems.

Solar-cell performance is critically dependent on the optical and electrical properties of their constituent materials. In order to obtain significant improvements in performance for future generations of photovoltaic devices, it will be necessary to either improve the properties of existing materials or engineer new materials and device structures. This book focuses on materials issues and advances for photovoltaics. Topics include: dye-sensitized solar cells; nanoparticle/hybrid solar cells; polymer-based devices; small molecule-based devices; III-V semiconductors; II-VI semiconductors and transparent conducting oxides and silicon thin films.

This book describes semiconductors from a materials science perspective rather than from condensed matter physics or electrical engineering viewpoints. It includes discussion of current approaches to organic materials for electronic devices. It further describes the fundamental aspects of thin film nucleation and growth, and the most common physical and chemical vapor deposition techniques. Examples of the application of the concepts in each chapter to specific problems or situations are included, along with recommended readings and homework problems.