A semiconductor material has an electrical conductivity value falling between that of a conductor,

such as copper, and an insulator, such as glass. Semiconductors are the foundation of
modern electronics. Semiconducting materials exist in two types - elemental materials
and compound materials.[1] The modern understanding of the properties of a semiconductor relies
on quantum physics to explain the movement of electrons and holes in a crystal lattice.[2] The unique
arrangement of the crystal lattice makes silicon andgermanium the most commonly used elements in
the preparation of semiconducting materials. An increased knowledge of semiconductor materials
and fabrication processes has made possible continuing increases in the complexity and speed
of microprocessors and memory devices. Some of the information on this page may be outdated
within a year because new discoveries are made in the field frequently.[2]