Q: The energy band diagram of a particular semiconductor in quasi-equilibrium at room

temperature is shown in the following figure. Estimate the occupation probability of

electrons and holes at E2 and E1, respectively.

Ans: e-20, e -16

From the formula for the occupation probabilities of quasi-fermi levels,

1 1
f c ( E2)= f v ( E1 )=
( E2− Efc ) and ( E1 −Efv )
kT kT
e +1 e +1

As the energy differences are large, Boltzmann approximation can be used. Therefore,
occupation probability of electron at E2 is
1 1 1 1
f c ( E 2) = ( E −E ) = 0.5 = 20 ≈ 20 =e−20
2 fc
0.025 e +1 e
e kT +1 e +1
( E2−E fc )
where the 1 in the denominator has been neglected because e kT
=e 20 ≫ 1.

Similarly, the occupation probability of hole at E1 is

( E1−E fv ) −0.4
kT 0.025 −16
1 e e e
1−f c ( E2 )=1− ( E1− Efv )
= ( E1− Efv )
= −0.4
= −16
≈ e−16
0.025 e +1
e kT
+1 e kT
+1 e +1
( E1−E fv )
where e−16 in the denominator has been neglected because e kT
=e−16 ≪ 1.

Therefore, the correct answer is f c =e−20 and f v =e−16 .