To recognize previous knowledge for the course

Physics of Semiconductors
Task 1

HUBER HERNAN VELANDRIA

Group 299002A_952

UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL ABIERTA Y A DISTANCIA - UNAD

Escuela de Ciencias Básicas, Tecnología e Ingeniería
Electronic Engineering
Cúcuta
2021
 Introduction
The main objective of this text is to present the concepts of semiconductor physics, its
importance of study, operation of semiconductors in electrical appliances and
implementation of semiconductor devices in current technology.
 To recognize previous knowledge for the course
Physics of Semiconductors

 Why it is important to study the physics of semiconductor devices?

Because an obvious, very important motivation for the study of
Semiconductor Physics is the fact that the microscopic properties it deals
with are responsible for the majority of modern technology. These properties
determine the material mechanical strength, how they interact with light,
how they conduct electricity, etc.
Semiconductor Physics is an important subject for technology, because it
gives guidance on how to design the circuits needed for modern electronic
devices. Of course, this field gave us both the Transistor & the
Semiconductor Chip!

 Which previous concepts are necessary for the development of the

course?
 Conductors are materials that have very low values of resistivity, usually in
the micro-ohms per metre. This low value allows them to easily pass an
electrical current.
 Insulators on the other hand are the exact opposite of conductors. They
are made of materials, generally non-metals, that have very few or no “free
electrons” floating about within their basic atom structure because the
electrons in the outer valence shell are strongly attracted by the positively
charged inner nucleus.
 Semiconductors materials such as silicon (Si), germanium (Ge) and
gallium arsenide (GaAs), have electrical properties somewhere in the
middle, between those of a “conductor” and an “insulator”. They are not
good conductors nor good insulators (hence their name “semi”-conductors).
They have very few “free electrons” because their atoms are closely
grouped together in a crystalline pattern called a “crystal lattice” but
electrons are still able to flow, but only under special conditions.
 Diodes are basic unidirectional semiconductor devices that will only allow
current to flow through them in one direction only, acting more like a one
way electrical valve, (Forward Biased Condition)
 The most commonly used semiconductor basics material by far is silicon
and Germanium.
 Have you ever used a home appliance whose operation depends on
state devices? Explain the role of the semiconductor device in the
appliance.
The following are semiconductors used in appliances:
 Led diode works as an indicator if the circuit is passing a current so we can
see if an appliance is on or off.
 Diode bridges its operation consists of four diodes that convert alternating
current into direct current.

 Do you think that all technology nowadays relies on semiconductor

devices?

Technology today is based on semiconductors in the majority in most of all

applications such as electronics, electrical appliances, electronics,
telecommunications, etc.

Semiconductor physics can be loosely defined as the study of materials that are
important to modern technology.

Many current research questions in Semiconductor Physics still lie on the frontiers
of applied science and next-generation technologies.

The study of the physics of semiconductors is in constant search of new materials

to improve the technology and its applications.
 Conclusions.
Semiconductor physics has allowed us to develop improvements in electronic circuits and
their technological applications.
The most widely used semiconductor material is silicon and germanium.
Many semiconductors are used in current appliances and technologies.
The study of semiconductor physics is very important for the advancement of modern
technologies

Bibliographies.
Semiconductor Physics.(2014) Technological Motivations
http://www.phys.ttu.edu/~cmyles/Phys5335/Semiconductor%20Motivation.html#:~:text=An
%20obvious%2C%20very%20important%20motivation,how%20they%20conduct
%20electricity%2C%20etc.
Electronic tutorial.() Semiconductor basics https://www.electronics-
tutorials.ws/diode/diode_1.html