“Basics of Semiconductor"

Srinithi M
Vellore Institute of Technology,
Vellore
23PHD0053.
 Outline

• Basic Introduction
• Basics of Semiconductors
 Basic Introduction

Atoms :
• Fundamental building blocks of matter.
• Composed of three subatomic particles:
1. Protons (positively charged) in the nucleus.
2. Neutrons (neutral) in the nucleus.
3. Electrons (negatively charged) orbit the nucleus.
 Parts of Atoms

1. Protons and Neutrons

1. Located in the atomic nucleus.
2. Protons determine the element's identity (atomic number - Z).
3. Neutrons stabilize the nucleus.
4. Mass number (A) - Total nucleons (protons + neutrons) determine the atomic mass.
2. Electrons
1. Negatively charged subatomic particles.
2. Number of electrons equals the number of protons in a neutral atom.
Electronic configuration

 how electrons are distributed in its atomic orbitals.

Classify solids by their
band gap energy

The highest energy level

occupied by electrons at
absolute zero temperature.
 Energy Bands

Energy States
Electrons exist in discrete energy states.
▪ Ground state: Lowest energy level closest to the nucleus.
▪ Excited states: Higher energy levels when electrons absorb energy. Energy transitions occur when
electrons move between states.
Energy Bands
In solids, energy states broaden into energy bands.
▪ Valence Band: Occupied by electrons; lower energy.
▪ Conduction Band: Empty; high energy; enables electron mobility.
▪ Energy Band Gap: Gap between valence and conduction bands; controls conductivity.
 Basics of Semiconductors

➢ Intermediate electrical conductivity material

➢ Small energy gap material
➢ Intrinsic or extrinsic form
➢ Doping to modify properties
➢ Electron-hole charge carriers
➢ Current generation through movement
➢ Critical in electronic devices
➢ Precise electrical property control
➢ Tunable band gap materials
➢ Temperature-dependent electrical behavior
 Semiconductor property

Silicon(Si):
atomic number is 14
Germanium(Ge):
atomic number is 32
Types of Extrinsic semiconductors