Sensors are widely used in our daily lives and are found in countless applications, from rapid antigen test kits used during the COVID-19 pandemic and home smoke detectors to a wide variety of sensors integrated into industrial equipment.
Using optical sensors as the primary example, this course introduces the fundamental principles of semiconductor sensing technologies and extends the discussion to silicon-based and organic semiconductor materials. Through these topics, learners will develop a solid understanding of the core concepts underlying the design and development of semiconductor sensors.
Upon completing this course, students will gain a fundamental understanding of the following topics:
By the end of this course, students will have developed a solid foundation in semiconductor photodetectors and sensor technologies, preparing them for further study in semiconductor devices, optoelectronics, and advanced sensing systems.
Professor Hsiao-Wen Jan Department of Photonics National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
Research Areas
Research Interests
This course consists of five modules that progressively introduce the fundamental concepts and operating principles of semiconductor photodetectors. The course begins with an overview of sensor performance parameters and the basic operating mechanisms of photoresistors and photodiodes. It then explores the underlying physics of photodetection—including electrical current transport, light absorption, photocurrent generation, and the operating principles of semiconductor diodes—and finally covers organic semiconductor sensing technologies and their potential applications.
Through lectures and illustrative examples, students will gain a solid understanding of the physical principles that govern semiconductor photodetectors and establish a strong foundation for further study in semiconductor sensors and optoelectronic devices.
The course is organized into five major modules, each consisting of several short lessons.
Each lesson is presented as a video of approximately 10–30 minutes, allowing learners to study at their own pace.
A quiz is provided after each chapter to help learners assess their understanding of the course content. Each quiz consists of multiple-choice questions based on the course videos.
Students are recommended to have a basic background in the following subjects before taking this course: