Semiconductors are the building blocks of all electronics. Electronics 
work because of a flow of electrons within semiconductors. The electrical properties of semiconductors are between that of a conductor and an insulator. Meaning that it can pass current, moving electrons, in certain conditions. Electron move in quantized steps (it’s not continuous like walking up a ramp but rather like walking upstairs) if the electrons have enough energy then they can move up the step and participate in conduction (the driving force that makes electrons work). But no system is perfect. Defects happen that causes intermediate steps between the steps causing the electrons to get trapped. If they are trapped then all motion (conduction) stops. As devices get smaller, these defects become more important. For example, there are surface defects because of the abrupt change of the material structure. So at a smaller scale, there is more surfaces to cause defects. We study these defect in hope to create defect free materials.
The student handout will be given to all students working on the design challenge. It gives a brief recap of the story, it helps the students identify what they are attempting to achieve, and it recaps the design process.
Semiconductor Defects TEK8 Instructor’s Guide
This Instructor’s Guide provides the instructor additional information on how to run the design challenge with alternatives for materials and test setups as well as information to help make the design challenge a good educational experience.
The Telling the Story Video conveys the societal impact of the student’s research that is the basis for the design challenge and will set the problem-solving context for students.
The Design Challenge Video leads students through the design process. It indicates materials available, states what the criteria are for success and any constraints. It also gives a second ‘level’ of the design challenge that allows ‘early completers’ to move on to a slightly more difficult challenge.
The presentation can be used in conjunction or in place of the Design Challenge Video.