Research Opportunities in Solid State: 50/50 Physics & Electronics

[pardesi]

what are the research oppurtunities in solid state?
i most probably wud pursue my engg. phsycis at a place where the course is 50% physics and 50% solid state,semiconductivity...how good is the scope of research in these areas in the coming years?
well http://www.physics.iitm.ac.in/courses_files/courses/btechcourses/2006revcourse.html is the course..there are no elective options given in that page but i knwo for fact that they have lots of electives on solid state and semicondcutivity in short the EP course there is 50% physics and 50% electronics!

 

[cmos]

I remember reading from a reliable source that the vast majority of physicists identify themselves as condensed matter/solid state physicists. Semiconductors, although not necessarily as booming as several years ago, still is a hot area to be in. Constant demand for performance increase drives this market. Faster computers, low-power laptops, iPhones, etc.

The scope of research is definitely interesting. Silicon CMOS will be at an end within the next decade or two. III-V integration, carbon nanostructures, and spintronics are but a few examples.

Staying in the realm of electronics, flexible/light weight electronics (i.e. polymers) and superconductor solutions for quantum computing are other examples of active research in condensed matter.

 

[pardesi]

hmmms o will i be profied in any means if i take up EP +MS(solid state) as compared to an Msc

 

[pardesi]

sorry that was meant' to be "profited in any means"

 

[cmos]

MS, Msc - Sorry, not exactly sure what you mean by all of this. Master of Science degree? Materials Science?

 

[pardesi]

oh sorry in India MS is known as Msc master of sciences...
so my question is who will be preffered and why
1)EP + Ms(say solid state)
2)5 yr -dual Ms(specialisation in solid state)
3)B.Tech Electronics + Ms Solid state

 

[cmos]

I would say either of the first two options are more geared to what you seem interested in. Straight up electronics is usually more geared towards circuit/systems design as opposed to devices and materials. Also, you won't be getting as much of the fundamental physics as in engineering physics.

If you don't mind the extra work, option 2 seems advantageous since it is presumably faster than option 1. One caveat is that, from what I've seen at least, better research and theses are produced by those who take the extra time.

 

[pardesi]

thanks but if say i apply for a job at intel or something having an MS degree and someone else with B.Tech EP dgree won't they prefer him/her since he/she has a techinical background hwihc i lack...i mean the technical aspect of the work...since Ms is too theoretical...

 

[cmos]

I'm sorry, we might be thinking of different things here...

Isn't the B.Tech an undergraduate degree while the MS is a graduate degree, i.e. you work for the MS after (or concurrently for advanced students) you graduate with the B.Tech?

Regarding the difference with engineering physics and electronics. It all depends on your career goals. I would say both an MS and B.Tech (BS here in America) in solid state will be favorable in device development and research. However, if you are leaning more towards circuit design, then electronics is your way to go.

FYI, I did some work as a process engineer (chip fabrication) in the US for a major semiconductor manufacturer. Most of the engineers were either trained as materials scientists or chemical engineers (although it wasn't uncommon to find an electrical engineer here and there).

 

[pardesi]

oh ok in India Msc is an integrated thing which is for 5 years ...lemme show u the course structure please go thru it it's imp
http://www.iitk.ac.in/doaa/DOAA/coursesofstudy2006/Physics.pdf
also i am worried that Msc wud narrow down my choices in the future...
while with EP i think i can keep my options open...what is ur view...isn't the Msc here tooo theroitical

 

[pardesi]

also what are the carrer options aftera B.Tech Materials and Metallurgical engg and a relevant Ms

 

[cmos]

So based on what you showed us, there is a standard Msc (for those with a BTech) and an "integrated" one in for those without a BTech (which takes longer). In the US we would call this a BS/MS (since you are awarded both degrees concurrently). So what I said in my previous post is still valid.

What you didn't make clear is that the integrated Msc you just showed is in pure physics. You were originally asking about was engineering physics.

Either way, it seems that you should be able to "specialize" in the solid state. If your goal is to get a well paying engineering job within the next 5 years, I'd say go the engineering route. If you want to be a researcher and obtain a PhD, then either choice should suite you fine.

There is another thread in this forum (which I responded to) where the student is unsure if he should switch from engineering to physics. I'd suggest you go read it since there might be some helpful insight there.

As far as majoring in materials, it depends on the specific program, but most programs enable you to enter a wide range of industries. This includes the electronics industry (provided you take the proper electives in electronic materials / semiconductors). Different electives would allow different career opportunities.