Semiconductor Material - Definition, Examples, Types

Which is the Semiconductor Material?

A semiconductor is a material having conductivity between conductors and insulators. The most commonly used semiconductor material is Si(Silicon). It is also the most widely used semiconductor material in electronic devices.

Semiconductor Material Definition

A material is said to be a semiconductor material if its conductivity is greater than that of an insulator and less than that of a conductor. That means the conductivity of the semiconductor lies between that of the insulator and the conductor.

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Semiconductor Material Example

A few examples of semiconductor materials that are widely used are: Si(silicon), Ge(germanium), Sn(tin), selenium(Se), tellurium (Te), and gallium arsenide(GaAs)

We can define the semiconductor material based on the energy band gap also. The energy band gap is the difference between the conduction band's lowest level and the valence band's highest level. A material is said to be a semiconductor material if its energy bandgap is greater than a conductor's and less than an insulator's. That means the energy band gap of semiconductors lies between the conductor and the insulator. A fermi level exists in the energy band and distinguishes between the levels occupied by the electron and the unoccupied levels. You can easily understand this one from the following diagram.

Types of Semiconductor Material

We can classify the semiconductors mainly into two types of semiconductors based on the level of purity.

Intrinsic Semiconductor
Extrinsic Semiconductor

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Applications of Semiconductor Material

In most electronic devices and Integrated Circuits, we use semiconductor materials. Among these, the most commonly used semiconductor material is silicon (Si). We use semiconductors like Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) and related compounds for optical and very high-speed devices.

It is known as a semiconductor device if we use semiconductor material in an electronic device. Examples of semiconductor devices are Diodes (p-n junction diode, breakdown diode, Tunnel, Varactor, LED, Laser & photodiodes), Transistors (BJT, JFET & MOSFET), and Integrated Circuits (Analog ICs & Digital ICs).

Defining Properties of Semiconductor Material

Semiconductors, by nature, behave with some properties utilized for their applications. These properties make them in demand for numerous applications.

Excitable State of Electrons: A difference in electric potential would cause a semiconductor material to leave thermal equilibrium and enter a non-equilibrium state. In the process, electrons and holes are introduced to the system, where they interact via diffusion. Whenever a semiconductor material's thermal equilibrium is disturbed, it changes the number of holes and electrons.
Light Emission: Some semiconductors allow the excited electrons to return to a relaxed state by emitting light instead of producing heat. These semiconductors can be used to make LED (light-emitting diodes).
Thermal Conductivity and Energy Conversion: A semiconductor's high thermoelectric power factor makes it useful for thermoelectric generators and thermoelectric coolers.
Variable Electrical Conductivity: Natural semiconductors are poor since a current requires electron flow, which is prevented due to filled valence bands. Few techniques like doping and gating allow them to act like conducting materials.

Recent Advancements in Semiconductor Material

Although silicon has been the main material semiconductor industry for some time, it is reaching the end of its usefulness. Since silicon's efficiency is now nearly at the limit of Moore's Law, industry experts fear it may soon surpass it. Research in the industry has had some promising advancements:

High-power gallium nitride- A high critical energy field means the material could be used in electrical grids to convert power more efficiently and faster.
Graphene- A new generation of semiconductor material is emerging from graphene. However, there is still some time before we can see them for commercial use.
Pyrite- Pyrite could replace cadmium telluride in solar cells, a rare earth element with limited supply, where Pyrite is abundantly available and inexpensive.

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FAQs on Semiconductor Material

What is semiconductor material?

The material, which has both conductivity and energy bandgap as moderate when compared to conductors & insulators, is known as a semiconductor material. There are two types of semiconductors. Those are intrinsic semiconductors and extrinsic semiconductors. These are classified based on the level of purity.

What is an n-type semiconductor and which semiconductor materials are doped to form this type of semiconductor?

When we do the doping of a 5A group element with Silicon (Si) or Germanium (Ge), then four electrons of each element will make covalent bonds. One electron of the 5A group element is free. In this way, as we increase doping, the number of free electrons will also increase. Hence, this material is called an n-type semiconductor and electrons are the majority charge carriers.

What is a p-type semiconductor?

When we do the doping of a 3A group element with Silicon (Si) or Germanium (Ge), then three electrons of each element will make covalent bonds. But there will be a shortage of one electron because of the 3A group element. This absence of an electron is known as a hole. In this way, as we increase doping, the number of holes will also increase. Hence, this material is called a p-type semiconductor and holes are the majority of charge carriers.

Among all semiconductor materials, the most commonly used semiconductor material is which one?

In most electronic devices and in Integrated Circuits, we use semiconductor materials. Among these, the most commonly used semiconductor material is silicon (Si). For optical devices and very high-speed devices, we use semiconductors like Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) and related compounds.

What are the other names of extrinsic semiconductors used to create semiconductor materials?

In intrinsic semiconductors, the conductivity is poor and there are no impurities. If we add the impurities to the intrinsic semiconductor, then the conductivity will increase. This material is called an extrinsic semiconductor. The other names of extrinsic semiconductors are doped semiconductors and impurity semiconductors.

Which is Semiconductor Material?