The once-humble p-n junction is no longer lagging in importance behind the transistor, given the growth in LED and solar cell applications. This is the claim the author makes in this second-edition book, which is well positioned as a textbook for advanced undergraduates.
Printed on glossy paper, the book has an eye-friendly layout, with blue headings and text boxes with blue background. Some figures are in color, but most are black-and-white circuit diagrams and charts. The chapters flow well, covering quantum mechanics and semiconductor physics, and then gradually getting into the device operation of optical emission and absorption and culminating in a chapter on organic semiconductors. The final chapter is somewhat of a disappointment, barely introducing junction transistors outside of the book topic, possibly signaling an intended sequel. Each chapter includes a brief list of references, summaries of key points and numerous application problems. A comprehensive table of contents and an index facilitate navigation.
Ultimately, the book succeeds at illuminating the topic, although that final chapter on transistors could easily have been removed to save space.
Review by Bogdan Hoanca, a professor of management information systems at the University of Alaska Anchorage, USA.
The opinions expressed in the book review section are those of the reviewer and do not necessarily reflect those of OPN or OSA.