University of Michigan

Solid-State Lighting and Solar Cells

Special topic to be offered in Fall 2010

Lectures: TuTh 3-4:30; 3433 EECS (3 units)
Eligibility:  Senior or graduate standing or instructor’s permission

Course Information

This course introduces two closely related technologies—solid-sate lighting and solar cells—that will play a critical role in our energy future.  In particular, this course aims to:

• Give comprehensive overview of the two technologies from basic energy conversion processes to materials, devices, systems, and deployment;

• Cover both inorganic and organic materials;

• Target senior undergraduate and graduate students in all Engineering and Science disciplines;

• Be an ideal course for senior students who would like to pursue a career in green energy;

• Culminate in a team project, which connects the course materials to a topic you choose or define.  

No textbook is required.  Lecture notes will be provided for download.  Grading will be based on problem sets (25%), mid-term paper (25%), team project (40%), and class participations (10%).

FAQ

• How will this course be different from EECS 429 / 529?
  
  A:  EECS 429 and 529 are basic and advanced optoelectronic courses, respectively.  EECS 429/529 aim to provide students an in-depth understanding of the physics and operating principles underlying optoelectronic devices including lasers, LEDs, photodetectors, modulators, and etc.  In EECS 498 special topic, we aim to focus on the technology and all things involved including not only physics and devices but also materiasl, optics, system integration, and deployment.  We expect 498 and 429/529 to be complementary and their overlaps to be only modest.
  
• What is the workload of this course?
  
  A:  Unfortunately we don't have statistics on this.  Previous time, students from six different programs in the College of Engineering attended the class.  25% of the grade will be determined by problem sets which aim to help students learn the basics.  75% of the grade will be determined by the project and related activities such as class participation.  At the beginning of the semester, each project team will discuss with the instructor on potential topics.  The discussions will continue throughout the semester.  We will evaluate the adequacy of the project and lay out a plan together.  At mid-term, each team is expected to submit a short paper outlining the motivation, plan, and importantly a literature review.  At the end of term, each team will give a detailed presentation.

Other Courses

EECS 320

EECS 429

EECS 529

EECS 598 Nanophotonics

Links

EECS bulletin

EECS course information