Semiconductor

Definition

A semiconductor is a material that has electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator, making it essential for modern electronics. Semiconductors can be modified by adding impurities (doping), allowing them to conduct electricity under certain conditions, which is crucial for various applications in electronic devices such as diodes and transistors. Their unique properties enable the generation and manipulation of electron-hole pairs, which play a vital role in the functioning of many electronic components.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Semiconductors are typically made from elements like silicon and germanium, which have four valence electrons, allowing them to form covalent bonds.
2. The behavior of semiconductors is heavily influenced by temperature; as temperature increases, more charge carriers are available, enhancing conductivity.
3. In QD-LEDs, quantum dots are used as semiconductors that emit light when an electric current passes through them, showcasing their ability to produce different colors based on size.
4. Electron-hole pair generation occurs in semiconductors when energy is supplied, promoting electrons from the valence band to the conduction band while leaving behind holes.
5. Semiconductors can be classified into intrinsic (pure) and extrinsic (doped), with extrinsic semiconductors being more commonly used in electronic applications due to their enhanced conductivity.

Review Questions

• How do semiconductors differ from conductors and insulators, particularly in their applications?
  • Semiconductors differ from conductors and insulators based on their electrical conductivity. While conductors allow easy flow of electricity due to their free electrons, insulators resist electrical flow. Semiconductors fall in between; they can conduct electricity under certain conditions, such as when doped or when energy is applied. This unique property allows semiconductors to be utilized in various applications like diodes and transistors, where controlled conductivity is essential.
• Discuss the role of doping in enhancing the electrical properties of semiconductors.
  • Doping plays a crucial role in improving the electrical properties of semiconductors by introducing impurities that increase their charge carrier concentration. By adding elements like phosphorus or boron to silicon, n-type or p-type semiconductors are created, respectively. This modification allows for better control of conductivity and enables the formation of essential structures like PN junctions, which are critical in devices such as diodes and transistors that rely on controlled electron flow.
• Evaluate the significance of electron-hole pair generation and recombination in semiconductor devices, particularly in light-emitting diodes.
  • Electron-hole pair generation and recombination are fundamental processes that drive the operation of semiconductor devices, especially light-emitting diodes (LEDs). When an electric current passes through a semiconductor, it generates electron-hole pairs; when these pairs recombine, they release energy in the form of light. This principle is what allows QD-LEDs to emit various colors depending on the size of the quantum dots used. Understanding these processes is vital for developing more efficient and brighter LED technologies.

Related terms

Doping: The process of intentionally adding impurities to a semiconductor to change its electrical properties and improve conductivity.

Band Gap: The energy difference between the valence band and the conduction band in a semiconductor, which determines its electrical conductivity and optical properties.

PN Junction: A boundary created when p-type and n-type semiconductors are joined together, allowing for the control of electron flow and forming the basis of diodes and transistors.