Explore the roles of electrons and holes in semiconductors, their behavior, and applications.
What is Electron and Hole in Semiconductor?
Semiconductors are foundational to modern electronics, serving as the building blocks of devices like diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits. The behavior of charge carriers, specifically electrons and holes, within semiconductors is critical to understanding how these materials function in electronic devices. This article delves into the concepts of electrons and holes in semiconductors, explaining their roles, movement, and significance in electrical engineering and semiconductor physics. Introduction to Semiconductors A semiconductor is a material whose electrical conductivity lies between that of a conductor (such as metals) and an insulator (such as glass). The most commonly used semiconductor materials include silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), and compounds like gallium arsenide (GaAs). Semiconductors are essential in electronics because their conductivity can be controlled by doping and by applying external electric fields. In semiconductors, two primary charge carriers govern t…
About the author
Prasun Barua is a graduate engineer in Electrical and Electronic Engineering with a passion for simplifying complex technical concepts for learners and professionals alike. He has authored numerous highly regarded books covering a wide range of elec…