Intrinsic Semiconductor An intrinsic semiconductor is a material that has no controlled impurities added to it. This means the semiconductor contains...
An intrinsic semiconductor is a material that has no controlled impurities added to it. This means the semiconductor contains naturally occurring atoms of the same type, like electrons or holes, which are free to move within the material. These intrinsic semiconductors behave differently than extrinsic semiconductors, which are created by adding impurities to the material.
Here's how it works:
An intrinsic semiconductor has its atoms arranged in a highly ordered, regular structure.
These atoms form energy bands that divide the material into different energy levels.
The energy bands allow electrons and holes to freely move between these levels.
When a voltage is applied across the material, the electrons and holes are attracted to oppositely charged regions, creating a flow of current.
This current can be used in various electronic devices, such as transistors and solar cells.
Examples:
Silicon is a common intrinsic semiconductor used in electronics.
Germanium is another intrinsic semiconductor that is used in certain transistors.
The material used to create silicon chips is an intrinsic semiconductor.
Key points about intrinsic semiconductors:
They are naturally occurring.
They have no impurities added.
They have highly ordered energy bands.
They are the basis for a wide range of electronic devices