Physics: Crystal Growth and Semiconductor Epitaxy

Crystal growth and epitaxy are fundamental processes in materials physics and semiconductor technology. This advanced-level course provides a deep understanding of the physical principles behind crystal formation – from thermodynamic conditions such as chemical potential and phase diagrams to kinetic phenomena like surface diffusion and nucleation.

You will also study epitaxial growth, where atomic layers are built with high precision, and how this affects the structure and function of materials. The course covers surface energies, lattice matching, dislocations and both in-situ and ex-situ characterisation methods.

Throughout the course, theory is linked to current research, particularly in the field of nanostructure epitaxy. The course can be taken as part of a degree programme in physics or astrophysics, or as a stand-alone course. Teaching is in English and the course is aimed at students with a Bachelor’s degree in physics who wish to specialise in a highly relevant research area.

The teaching consists of lectures and calculation exercises where you work with the concepts covered in the lectures and in the course literature. During the calculation exercises, you practise linking theory to practical applications.

The course concludes with a written examination. If you do not pass the exam on your first attempt, you will be offered a resit. The course is given in collaboration with a corresponding course at LTH and follows LTH's exam schedule. It provides you with both theoretical depth and a strong connection to research – especially in nanostructures and sustainable technology.

Prerequisites

Admission to the course requires 120 credits in natural science studies, of which 75 credits in physics and 45 credits in mathematics is included, alternatively a Bachelor degree in physics - in both cases including knowledge equivalent to FYSC23 Solid State Physics, 7.5 credits, and FYSD23 Processing and Device Technology, 7.5 credits, and English 6/B.

Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to: ECTS (HPAV): 100 %.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 21,250
First payment: SEK 21,250

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.