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Semiconductors (Lecture Notes)
Semiconductors (Lecture Notes)
Semiconductors (Lecture Notes)
INTRODUCTION TO SEMICONDUCTOR
The Three Kinds of Formulas
A formula is a rule that relates quantities. The rule may be an equation, an inequality, or other mathematical
description.
3 Ways Formulas Can Come Into Existense
1. The Definition a formula invented for a new concept.
2. The Law a formula for a relationship in nature.
3. The Derivation A formula produced with mathematics.
Approximations
1. Ideal Approximation
2. Second Approximation
3. Third Approximation
Basic Terms
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Germanium
Silicon
Carbon
Crystal An orderly pattern formed when silicon atoms combine to form a solid.
Covalent Bonds Each neighboring atom shares an electron with the central atom.
Valence Saturation the valence orbit can hold no more than eight electrons. The eight valence
electrons are called bound electrons.
Hole a vacancy in the valence orbit due to heat energy.
Free Electron an electron that is loosely held by an atom.
Recombination is the merging of a free electron and a hole
Lifetime the amount of time between the creation and disappearance of a free electron.
Intrinsic Semiconductor a pure semiconductor.
Doping one way to increase conductivity of a semiconductor. This means adding impurity atoms to an
intrinsic crystal to alter its electrical conductivity.
Extrinsic Semiconductor a doped semiconductor.
Doping a Semiconductor
Increasing the Free Electrons
Pentavalent Atoms atoms having five electrons in the valence orbit. Examples are phosphorus,
arsenic, antimony, and bismuth.
Donor Impurities materials that donate an extra electron.
Lightly doped semiconductor has high resistance.
Heavily doped semiconductor has low resistance.
Trivalent Atoms atoms having three electrons in the valence orbit. Examples are born, aluminum and
gallium.
Acceptor Impurities materials that accept an extra electron.
Forward Bias
Reverse Bias
Breakdown
Breakdown Voltage the maximum reverse voltage a diode can withstand before avalanche or the
zener effect occurs.
Avalanche effect A phenomenon that occurs for large reverse voltages across a pn junction.
Zener effect sometimes called high-field emission, this occurs when the intensity of the electric field
becomes high enough to dislodge valence electrons in a reverse biased diode.
3
Energy Bands
for semiconductors, holes remain in the valence band, but free electrons go to the next- higher energy
band, which is called the conduction band.
Energy gap is an energy range in a solid where no electron states can exist.
= 2/
Rearranging:
= (2/)
Transient Current
Reverse Saturation Current the higher the junction temperature, the greater the saturation current. Is
doubles for each 10oC rise.
= 100% 10
If changes in temperature are less than 10oC,
= 7%
Ex. A silicon diode has a saturation current of 5nA at 25oC. What is the saturation current at 100oC?
Ans. 898nA
Silicon versus Germanium
In Germanium atom the valence band is much closer to the conduction band. In other words,
germanium has a much smaller energy gap than silicon has.
Surface-Leakage Current
Ex. If the surface-leakage current is 2nA for a reverse voltage of 25V, what is the surface-leakage current for a
reverse voltage of 35V?
Ans. 2.8nA
REFERENCE:
Malvino, A. & Bates D.(2007), Electronic Principles 7th Edition. McGrwahill, New York.