In semiconductor technology, what property is crucial for determining conductivity?

In semiconductor technology, what property is crucial for determining conductivity?

• A. Magnetic field
• B. Temperature
• C. Material purity
• D. Voltage applied

Answer: (C)

Material purity is indeed a crucial property for determining conductivity in semiconductor technology. The conductivity of a semiconductor is significantly influenced by the types and concentrations of impurities present in the material. Pure semiconductors, like silicon, have a relatively low conductivity because their atomic structure does not easily allow for charge carriers (electrons or holes) to move freely. When impurities, or doping agents, are introduced into the semiconductor, they can either donate free electrons (n-type doping, with elements like phosphorus) or create holes (p-type doping, with elements like boron). This process enhances the number of charge carriers, thereby increasing the material’s conductivity significantly. While other factors like temperature, magnetic field, and applied voltage do influence conductivity, they do so in the context of the material’s inherent properties established by its purity. For instance, as temperature increases, more electrons gain enough energy to jump into the conduction band, but the initial level of conductivity is fundamentally a condition of how pure and properly doped the semiconductor material is.

Material purity is indeed a crucial property for determining conductivity in semiconductor technology. The conductivity of a semiconductor is significantly influenced by the types and concentrations of impurities present in the material. Pure semiconductors, like silicon, have a relatively low conductivity because their atomic structure does not easily allow for charge carriers (electrons or holes) to move freely.

When impurities, or doping agents, are introduced into the semiconductor, they can either donate free electrons (n-type doping, with elements like phosphorus) or create holes (p-type doping, with elements like boron). This process enhances the number of charge carriers, thereby increasing the material’s conductivity significantly.

While other factors like temperature, magnetic field, and applied voltage do influence conductivity, they do so in the context of the material’s inherent properties established by its purity. For instance, as temperature increases, more electrons gain enough energy to jump into the conduction band, but the initial level of conductivity is fundamentally a condition of how pure and properly doped the semiconductor material is.