M1 - Physics and Materials Engineering for Microelectronics and Nanotechnology (PHYMATECH)

This module covers the fundamentals of the physics and technology of semiconductor-based components. Most of the course unit focuses on the physics of the components. Drawing on the equations that describe the properties of materials, the main types of junctions are examined (p/n, metal/semiconductor, MIS). Based on this knowledge, the operation of basic components (diodes, transistors) is explained. In the second part, the fundamental building blocks of component manufacturing processes are presented.

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English tutorial course for students in the Master's 1 Physics program who are working toward professional proficiency in scientific English.

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This course is one of the cornerstones of modern physics. It provides a body of knowledge that is strictly necessary for all physics tracks, as it lays the groundwork for the theoretical description of the interaction between the electromagnetic field and elementary quantum systems such as two-level systems, atoms, and molecules. It also provides the knowledge necessary for understanding lasers, modern optical devices, and spectroscopic methods and analyses.

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The purpose of this module is to enable students to compare experimental results with their theoretical knowledge. Particular attention is given to writing up results and presenting them in the form of oral presentations. The work is organized into an eight-hour session for which the students choose a topic. They record their results and analyses in a lab notebook modeled after the protocols used in laboratories. At the end of the semester, students select a topic, which they develop into a final report that they defend orally. This course serves as preparation for the internships students will complete during their program.

Examples of available experiments: optical spectroscopy (IR, visible), gamma, X-ray, and acoustic spectroscopy; low-temperature photoluminescence; near-field spectroscopy (AFM, STM); electron microscopy...

The range of experiments offered covers the areas of physics taught in the various physics tracks. Students must choose from among these experiments those that best align with their interests. Significant effort is made to incorporate new data-acquisition technologies and the use of computer tools to compare experimental results with theory.

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Through two specific examples (X-ray diffraction and vibrations), this module shows in detail how the physical properties of a solid are modeled. The formalism will also be applied to finite systems, such as nanoparticles, and will remain valid for amorphous materials; however, special attention will be given to periodic systems (ranging from linear chains to protein crystals, including graphene and silicon). The concept of reciprocal lattice will naturally arise in connection with this periodicity.

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This course unit covers a review and in-depth exploration of programming techniques, as well as an introduction to computational physics. We will begin with a review of procedural programming using Python 3. We will then take an in-depth look at numerical methods relevant to physics, studying a selection of classical algorithms from numerical analysis and applying them to physics problems.

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The EU course “Condensed Matter Physics 2: Electronic Properties” is intended for students interested in solid-state physics.

Following on from the course unit “Condensed Matter Physics 1: Structural Properties,” this course unit covers the properties of electrons in crystalline solids, the band structure of electronic energy levels, and the basic concepts of semiconductor physics.

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Modern experimental physics generally requires the setup of a data acquisition system of varying complexity involving different types of instruments—such as sources, sensors, actuators, etc.—and a controller (such as a computer). The objective of this course unit is to familiarize students with this type of problem so that they can set up such a data acquisition system. On the controller side, the control logic will be implemented in Python (specifically using the PyVisa library).  

- Overview of the most common communication interfaces/ports: serial (RS-232, USB), parallel (GPIB), and network (Ethernet) (CM).

- Implementation of simple examples of communication, device configuration, and data acquisition (lab).

- Development of a more comprehensive data acquisition system through projects (practical training). 

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This module focuses, on the one hand, on the physical understanding of light emission and absorption processes in semiconductor devices, and, on the other hand, on the technologies used to manufacture such devices. These topics are applied in the cleanroom project, which involves the fabrication and subsequent characterization of an optoelectronic component.

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Knowing how to collect and process data are essential skills in a scientific and/or technical professional setting. The objective of this course is to address, as effectively as possible, three types of standard professional skills:

· Advanced use of spreadsheets and graphing software (MS Excel, LO-CALC) for scientific and technical purposes

· Network interconnections: infrastructure, the TCP/IP protocol suite, security

· Introduction to relational databases (MS Access, LO-BASE) – concepts and terminology, creating queries, graphical reports, forms.

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Introductory Research Internship in a University Laboratory

Dates: May–June

Duration: 7 weeks minimum, extendable in July

Prior to the internship, analyzing an article recommended by the internship advisors helps prepare the student for the internship’s topic and for in-depth reading of scientific publications.

Following the internship, as part of a peer-review process, the student submits his or her written report and oral presentation for critical review by other students; it is the student’s responsibility to revise them accordingly before submitting the final versions to the internship committee.

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