1. Introduction to Semiconductor Physics
Semiconductors play a crucial role in modern electronics, positioned between conductors and insulators in terms of electrical conductivity. Their behavior is explained through energy band theory, which describes how temperature and doping affect conductivity. This chapter covers the classification of materials, intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors, energy band diagrams, and current mechanisms, highlighting the essential applications of these principles in electronic devices.
Enroll to start learning
You've not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take practice test.
Sections
Navigate through the learning materials and practice exercises.
What we have learnt
- Semiconductors have electrical conductivity characteristics that lie between conductors and insulators.
- They can be intrinsic (pure) or extrinsic (doped) to modify their electrical properties.
- Understanding drift and diffusion currents along with energy band diagrams is essential for analyzing semiconductor behavior.
Key Concepts
- -- Semiconductors
- Materials with electrical conductivity between conductors and insulators, fundamental in electronic device operations.
- -- Intrinsic Semiconductors
- Pure semiconductors that generate electron-hole pairs through thermal excitation without impurities.
- -- Extrinsic Semiconductors
- Semiconductors that have been doped with impurities to alter their electrical properties and conductivity.
- -- Energy Band Theory
- A theory that explains the behavior of semiconductors based on energy bands, including valence and conduction bands and the forbidden energy gap.
- -- Drift and Diffusion Currents
- The two primary mechanisms by which current flows in semiconductors; drift is caused by an electric field, while diffusion occurs due to concentration gradients.
Additional Learning Materials
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.