This course covers the fundamental and applied aspects of light-to-electricity and electricity-to-light conversion devices. Upon completion of the course, students will gain practical knowledge on the working principles and operation of light-emitting diodes and solar cells.

We will begin by introducing basics of solid state physics and quantum mechanics and apply them to analyze P-N junctions, diodes, and heterostructures. Fundamentals of light-emitting diodes will then be covered, including physical and optical properties, band diagrams, and characterization of devices and materials.

In a parallel analysis, the focus will then shift towards photovoltaics, covering thermodynamic limits, device architecture, characterization, and modern material advances. Analytical and computational problem sets will allow students to apply the course material to the practical study of devices, using semiconductor device modeling tools such as SCAPS.