Semiconductors
In general, semiconductors are inorganic or organic materials that can control their conduction depending on chemical structure, temperature, illumination, and the presence of dopants. The name semiconductor comes from the fact that these materials have electrical conductivity between a metal, like copper, gold, etc., and an insulator, like glass. They have an energy gap of less than 4eV (about 1eV). In solid-state physics, this energy gap or band gap is an energy range between the valence band and conduction band where electron states are forbidden. In contrast to conductors, semiconductors’ electrons must obtain energy (e.g., from ionizing radiation) to cross the band gap and reach the conduction band. The properties of semiconductors are determined by the energy gap between valence and conduction bands.
Application of Semiconductors
Semiconductors are materials that have electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator, making them useful for a wide range of electronic applications. Some of the key applications of semiconductors include:
- Electronic devices: Semiconductors are used to create a wide range of electronic devices, including transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits. These devices are used in everything from smartphones and computers to cars and airplanes.
- Solar cells: Semiconductors like silicon are commonly used in the production of solar cells. When light strikes the semiconductor material, it creates a flow of electrons that can be harnessed to produce electrical power.
- Lighting: Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are a type of semiconductor device that can produce light when an electric current is applied. LEDs are used in a wide range of lighting applications, from streetlights to televisions.
- Power electronics: Semiconductors are used in power electronics applications, such as inverter systems, power converters, and voltage regulators. These devices are used to control and convert electrical power for a range of applications, including electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and industrial machinery.
- Sensors: Semiconductors can also be used to create sensors that can detect and measure a wide range of physical properties, including temperature, pressure, and light. These sensors are used in a wide range of applications, from automotive and aerospace systems to medical devices and environmental monitoring.
