This introductory text designed for the first course in semiconductor physics presents a well-balanced coverage of semiconductor physics and device operation and shows how devices are optimized for applications. The text begins with an exploration of the basic physical processes upon which all semiconductor devices—diodes, transistor, light emitters, and detectors—are based. Topics such as bandstructure, effective masses, holes, doping, carrier transport and lifetimes are discussed. Next, the author focuses on the operation of the important semiconductor devices along with issues relating to the optimization of device performance. Issues such as how doping, device dimensions, and parasitic effects influence device operation are also included. The book is appropriate for the following courses: Device Physics; Semiconductor Devices; Device Electronics; Physics of Semiconductor Devices; Integrated Circuit Devices; Device Electronics: Solid State Devices.