Semiconductors

Abstract

In the study of electricity, the terms conductors and insulators were introduced (Fig. 7.1). A conductor is a material through which an electrical charge may flow from atom to atom with an application of a voltage. An insulator functions in the exact opposite manner. An insulator is a material which impedes or lessens the flow of electrons. An insulator may permit flow of electrons; however, the flow will be weak/poor. When we refer to a semiconductor, we are considering a material which exists between the conductor and the insulator. Semiconductors have less conductivity than metals. A semiconductor, when heated, increases its conductivity, the opposite of a metal when it is heated. Fewer atoms exist in a semiconductor, resulting in less electron movement. A result of this lessening of electronic movement is known as ionization. Ionization is the process whereby a semiconductor gains or loses electrons from an atom or molecule forming ions, electrically producing an unbalanced element(s) or molecule(s).

Living in an electronic society, the cell phone, the computer, and the calculator are in common use. One of the important parts of these electronic gadgets is a semiconductor. Studies in basic electricity investigate conductors and insulators, but what about the substance that falls between these materials, such as the semiconductors? What makes these materials so unique; does the material need to be altered to make it functional? Let’s explore!