Algorithms for Small Semiconductor Device Simulation

The rapid developments in the integrated-circuit and optical-communications industries are increasingly relying on the results of numerical simulations for faster and better prototyping. The numerical simulation of semiconductor devices has therefore become an important research and development tool in both academic and industry environments. Specialized algorithms for the drift-diffusion model of semiconductor device behavior will be discussed. These include a number of nonlinear and linear iterative methods. The role of improved models and the effect on the choice of algorithms will be considered.