COMSOL Multiphysics^® 6.4 Release Highlights

For users of the Semiconductor Module, COMSOL Multiphysics^® version 6.4 introduces simplified modeling of ferroelectric and piezoelectric semiconductors, a streamlined workflow for simulating novel semiconductor architectures, the ability to define optical transitions directly from optical material properties, and more. Learn more about these updates below.

Semiconductor–Electrostatics Coupling Multiphysics Feature

When simulating ferroelectric and piezoelectric semiconductors, the new Semiconductor–Electrostatics Coupling multiphysics feature can be used when an advanced electrostatics formulation — such as Charge Conservation, Ferroelectric — is needed. This feature overrides the built-in electrostatics equation defined in the Semiconductor interface, replacing it with an equation defined in a separate Electrostatics interface. Note that, depending on which features are used, these advanced formulations may require additional add-on products, such as the AC/DC Module.

The settings of the Semiconductor–Electrostatics Coupling multiphysics feature.

Multiphysics Modeling of Novel Semiconductor Architectures

For modeling novel semiconductor architectures — where specialized charge transport models coupled with several other physics phenomena are often required — the Transport of Charge Carriers interface in the Semiconductor Module enables seamless integration of customized charge carrier transport models with thermal and electromagnetic simulations. Explore this multiphysics modeling workflow in the Memristor tutorial model.

The model tree of the Memristor tutorial model with the Transport of Charge Carriers interface selected.

Indirect Optical Transitions Model

To allow optical transitions to be defined directly from optical materials, the Indirect Optical Transitions feature introduces a new model where the material’s refractive index is used to calculate the indirect absorption generation rate.

The settings of the Indirect Optical Transitions feature and the Graphics window showing the real and imaginary parts of the refractive index.

Symmetry for Terminals

The Terminal feature now supports an area multiplication factor (available in the Advanced Settings section after enabling Advanced Physics Options). This accounts for symmetry by scaling the terminal area so connected circuits or loads will perceive the full device even when only part is modeled. For example, a factor of 2 should be used if the model represents half the device. The update is available for the Electrostatics interface, the Electric Currents interface, and the Magnetic and Electric Fields interface.

A model representing half of a Lamb wave resonator. The new area multiplication factor is shown in the Settings window of the Boundary Terminal feature.

Updated Tutorial Models

COMSOL Multiphysics^® version 6.4 brings the following updated tutorial models to the Semiconductor Module.

Memristor

Simulated characteristic pinched hysteresis curve of a memristor, where the color legend represents time.

Application Library Title:
memristor
Download from the Application Gallery

Metal–Insulator–Metal (MIM) Diode

Current–voltage curves of an MIM diode with and without tunneling effect.

Application Library Title:
mim_diode
Download from the Application Gallery

Shockley Diode

Computed current–voltage curve of a Shockley diode, illustrating multiple current states for a single applied voltage.

Application Library Title:
shockley_diode
Download from the Application Gallery

Tunnel Diode

Current density versus applied voltage of a tunnel diode, showing a decrease in current with increasing voltage that indicates negative resistance.

Application Library Title:
tunnel_diode
Download from the Application Gallery