Question

(a) In your own words, explain how donor impurities in semiconductors give rise to free electrons in numbers in excess of those generated by valence band–conduction band excitations.
(b) Also, explain how acceptor impurities give rise to holes in numbers in excess of those generated by valence band–conduction band excitations.

Answer 1

Answer:

A. N type impurities

B. P type impurities

Explanation:

A. The impurities contribute free electrons and changing the conducting property of the semi conductor. When a pentavalent impurities in a semi conductor( impurities with five valence electron) , the impurity atom replace some of the semi conductor atoms in the crystal structure where 4 of the valence electron would be involved in bonding of 4 neighbouring semiconductor while leaving the fifth electron to be free(negative charge carrier) which is available for detachment.

B. When a trivalence impurity is added to semiconductor, instead of excess electron, there will be excess hole created by crystals. Reason for this attribute is the trivalence atom will replace some tetra valence semiconductor atom, when three valence electrons of the 3 valence electrons of the trivalent impurity atom make bond with three neighbouring semiconductor which gives rise to lack of electron in the bond of the fourth neighbouring semiconductor which contribute a whole to the crystalline since trivalent impurity contribute excess holes to the crystal of semi conductor, this holes can accept electrons.