Chapter 1
Introduction

This chapter motivates the need for utilising technology computer-aided design in semiconductor devices and related research fields. An overview of the most common charge carrier transport models is given, along with their range of applicability and limitations. In light of this, the motivation for developing a solver based on the Wigner(-Boltzmann) quantum transport equation is given. Thereafter, an outline of the topics to be covered in this dissertation is presented.

 1.1 Need for TCAD in electronics
 1.2 Overview of carrier transport models
  1.2.1 Classification of transport models
  1.2.2 Poisson equation
  1.2.3 Semi-classical models
  1.2.4 Quantum models
  1.2.5 Summary
 1.3 Motivation for Wigner formalism based simulation
  1.3.1 Classical analogies
  1.3.2 Decoherence and scattering
  1.3.3 Transient capability
  1.3.4 Suitable problems
 1.4 Outline of dissertation