About Solid State Technology

Solid-state technology can be defined as studying electronic components, devices, and systems based on the semiconductor. Most of the electronic devices and computing devices such as insulators, transistors, integrated circuits (IC), light-emitting diode (LED), liquid crystal display (LCD), and memory & storage devices are built on the principle of solid-state technology. Solid-state technology deals with the physical foundation of materials that is required to develop novel materials and processes.

What is Solid State Technology?

Engineering in solid-state technology is a master's degree program of two years designed to familiarize students with the quantum photons, wave diffraction, nanostructure, crystal structure of different solid matters. This course aids students with the understandings of the physics of semiconductor devices and their operation. The course enables students to analyze existing technology and develop new materials for the semiconductor industry.

The course prepares skilled professionals capable of addressing the challenges of R&D units and industries that deal with semiconductor technology, material science, and nanotechnology. The proper emphasis on theory and practical facets of solid-state technology paves the way for developing advanced technology for semiconductor devices and material science. This program is for two years, including four semesters of each six months. During the first year of the program, students are taught the physical foundation of material science, physics of semiconductor devices, electronic properties of materials, science and technology of thin films, characteristics of nanostructured materials, advanced electromagnetics, statistical methods, and solid-state materials.

In 2nd year students are required to do some projects and electives. Some suggested program electives courses are surface physics and analysis, semiconductor device technology, energy material and devices, Nanoprobe techniques, quantum heterostructures, MEMS & MOEMS, optoelectronics, characterization techniques for materials, and advances in spintronics. The course's main objective is to prepare working professionals who are capable of working with cutting edge technologies in the semiconductor and materials industries.

Eligibility and Career in Solid State Technology

As mentioned above, engineering in solid-state technology is a full-time post-graduation course approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), New Delhi. Candidates who are willing to take admission in this master's program must have completed their bachelor's degree in engineering or science or any equivalent field with a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent CGPA. Candidates with valid GATE scores are preferable for admission by the universities. Some of the prestigious colleges like IIT Madras, IIT Roorkee, and IIT Kharagpur provide quality education in this field.

A top-notch and trained professional in this field has multiple job options in various organizations such as Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), National Physical laboratory, and colleges & universities. This field's postgraduate candidates may be employed as material scientists, accelerator physicists, subject matter experts, physics mentors, assistant professors, lab assistants, technicians, etc. Industries usually prefer candidates who have sound knowledge of the field with good communication skills and can work as a team.