Using animated 3D graphical simulations to visualize semiconductor principles

This paper reports on three-dimensional graphic simulations we are developing and using to explain semiconductor principles. These simulations are Web-based three-dimensional graphical models of various materials presented using a Web browser's Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) viewer. Java programs allow animating particles within the models to show the material's electrical behavior. The Java programs also provide intuitive user interfaces which allow the user to perform interactive experiments by changing parameters such as voltage and temperature. The educational aspects of creating and using these types of simulation models for semiconductor and other subjects are discussed.