Functional Materials

Lecture 5

Dr. Faisal Shahzad

Quantum Theory of Solids
Quantum Theory of Solids
Quantum Theory of Solids
Population of electron in Conduction Band
 Density of States
Since current is due to the flow of charge, an important step in the process is to determine
the number of electrons and holes in the semiconductor that will be available for
conduction. The number of carriers that can contribute to the conduction process is a
function of the number of available energy or quantum states since, by the Pauli exclusion
principle, only one electron can occupy a given quantum state.
 Fermi-Dirac Distribution
The function f ( E ) is called the Fermi–Dirac distribution or probability function
and gives the probability that a quantum state at the energy E will be occupied
by an electron.

The Fermi energy level must be higher than E4 but lower than E5.
Remember, Fermi Energy does not correspond to an allowed energy level.
 Fermi-Dirac Distribution
The distribution of electrons among the quantum states has changed from the T 0 K
case. Two electrons from the E 4 level have gained enough energy to jump to E
5 , and one electron from E 3 has jumped to E 4. As
the temperature changes, the distribution of electrons versus energy changes.
Population of electron in Conduction Band
Density of states (finding concentration of electrons
Population of electron in Conduction Band