What is a semiconductor?
A semiconductor is a substance that has specific electrical properties that allow it to serve as the basis for computers and other electronic devices. It is typically a solid chemical element or compound that conducts electricity under certain conditions but not under others. This makes it an ideal means to control electrical current and everyday electrical appliances.
A substance that can conduct electricity is called a conductor and a substance that cannot conduct electricity is called an insulator. Semiconductors have properties that lie between the conductor and the insulator. A diode, integrated circuit (IC) and transistor are all made of semiconductors.
Conductance can vary depending on the current or voltage applied to a control electrode or the intensity of infrared (IR) irradiation, visible light, ultraviolet or X-rays. The specific properties of a semiconductor depend on the impurities - known as dopants - added to it. he.
How do semiconductors work?
Most semiconductors are made up of crystals made of various materials. To better understand how semiconductors work, users must understand atoms and how electrons are organized within the atom. Electrons are organized into layers called shells within an atom. The outermost shell of the atom is known as the valence shell.
The electrons in this valence shell are the ones that form bonds with neighboring atoms. Such bonds are called covalent bonds. Most conductors have only one valence electron. Semiconductors, on the other hand, typically have four electrons in their valence shell.
However, if nearby atoms are made of the same valence, the electrons can bond with the valence electrons of other atoms. Whenever this happens, the atoms organize themselves into crystal structures. We make most semiconductors with these crystals, mostly with silicon crystals.
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26 окт 2022
