Virtual Reality Semiconductor Laboratory

Summary form only given. Virtual reality (VR) promises to enhance education beyond the level of modern multimedia computer systems by adding a three dimensional, "hands on" approach. VR gives the user control over a 360/spl Dagger/ workspace, as well as provide a true, stereoscopic, depth-sensitive environment. VR empowers users to do, as well as to see. The Virtual Reality Semiconductor Laboratory (VRSEMLAB) will be a pioneer system exploring the application of VR techniques to the teaching of semiconductor physics. This project addresses the extreme difficulties students typically have while trying to learn this subject. Electrons are too small for many students to visualize and holes present even greater difficulties due to their abstract nature. The VRSEMLAB will draw on the strengths of the computer as a modeling tool without succumbing to the limitations of a two dimensional workspace. VR will provide the ability for the user to see the internal structure of the semiconductor, use a virtual space controller (space ball or glove) to rotate it, inspect it from a different angle, and change the intrinsic physical properties of the device. Additional features for such a laboratory include a "building-block lab" permitting the user to assemble blocks of n/p doped semiconductor into arbitrary configurations in 3 dimensions with immediate feedback regarding electrical properties; and a 3D workbench including virtual curve tracer, virtual oscilloscope, and virtual frequency generator.