Artificial device: a new way of using Monte Carlo simulations for pedagogic applications

Abstract

This paper examines the question of transferring a well known Monte Carlo model of a particle in a semiconductor, aimed at microelectronics device simulations, from a software form into a hardware form (wired-up processor). The goal of this action is in the development of new simulation tools useful for education in physics (solid-state, charge transport and device physics). The simulator has the form of a small size stand-alone computer provided with analog I/O terminals upon which various apparatus can be connected: oscilloscopes, signal analyzers or others. A number of physical parameters can be varied by the user in such a way that he can build his own device and characterize it. A first demonstrator, a synthetic noise generator exists already. The structure of the particle wired-up processor is described.