Semiconductors
Self-Paced Study Guide
! Quote an important inherent assumption in the derivation of the expression for the electron
concentration in the conduction band.
! In great detail study the mathematical derivation of the electron concentration in the
conduction band, before you move on. Can you reproduce the main steps from memory ? Make a
list of all the variables in this derivation and write their names next to it. For each, write a short
explanation what they represent.
! Write the equation for hole concentration under that for electron equation. What are the
differences ?
& Go through this complicated section once more and compare your notes with the text. Do you
understand each step ?
! Derive the mass action law, and make a memory card for it.
? What is the physical significance of the mass action law ?
? What are the effects on the mass action law of adding impurities ?
? What is an n-type, what is a p-type semiconductor ? Make memory cards.
! Draw sketches of the Energy Band Diagram for intrinsic, n-type and p-type semiconductors.
& Study the concepts of Electron and Hole Concentrations in a different textbook.
! Look up the room temperature drift mobilities for Ge and calculate the conductivity of Ge as in
Example 5.1. Compare with tabulated values.
? Which type of doping of silicon (n-type or p-type) produces larger changes in conductivity ?
5.3 Temperature Dependence of Conductivity
! Sketch the band diagram for the three distinct temperature ranges of conductivity and relate the
sketches to a plot of ln (electron concentration) versus 1/T.
& Randomly go through the Important Terms section and test yourself. Can you make one or
two comments on each term in addition to what is written. In what context is that term important ?
? Sort your memory cards alphabetically. Do all Important Terms show up on one of your memory
cards ?