Overview
Semiconductors are materials, such as silicon or germanium, whose electrical properties can be precisely controlled. By adding impurities (doping), their conductivity can be altered, allowing them to act as switches or amplifiers in electronic circuits.
Key Properties
- Variable Conductivity: Can be changed by temperature, light, or electrical fields.
- Energy Gap: The 'band gap' determines the energy required for electrons to move from the valence band to the conduction band.
- P-type and N-type: Created through doping to have an excess of 'holes' or electrons, respectively.
Importance
Semiconductors are the fundamental building blocks of transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits, enabling the entire digital age.