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INTRODUCTION TO SEMICONDUCTORS
1. Band Theory of solids
In a crystalline solid, the possible energy states for electrons are arranged in
bands. Within each band the levels are very close together, but between the
bands there may be forbidden energy gaps.
Insulator material that does not conduct electrical current under normal
conditions. Its highest occupied energy band (valence band) is completely full,
and there is a large energy gap ( to
) to the next highest band, the
conduction band.
2. Conduction in semiconductors
Photon Energy:
Electron-hole pair - for every electron raised to the conduction band by eternal
energy, there is one hole left in the valence band
3. Doping
Two categories
Since most of the current carriers are __________, silicon doped with
pentavalent atoms is an n-type semiconductor
Each trivalent atom forms covalent bonds with four adjacent silicon atoms. All
three of the atoms valence electrons are used in the covalent bonds; and,
since four electrons are required, a hole results when each trivalent atom is
added (acceptor atom)
Since most of the current carriers are __________, silicon doped with trivalent
atoms is a p-type semiconductor
4. Semiconductor Diodes
A diode conducts current when it is forward biased and blocks current when
are reverse biased
Reverse biased - the positive terminal to the n side and the negative terminal to
the p side.
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