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Emd 5

The document explains the band theory of solids, detailing how the unique band structures of metals, semiconductors, and insulators determine their electrical conductivity. It describes the characteristics of energy bands, including valence and conduction bands, and how they relate to conduction mechanisms and resistivity. Additionally, it discusses the effect of electric fields and temperature on the conductivity of these materials.

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Reshma M
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34 views7 pages

Emd 5

The document explains the band theory of solids, detailing how the unique band structures of metals, semiconductors, and insulators determine their electrical conductivity. It describes the characteristics of energy bands, including valence and conduction bands, and how they relate to conduction mechanisms and resistivity. Additionally, it discusses the effect of electric fields and temperature on the conductivity of these materials.

Uploaded by

Reshma M
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Concept Overview: Band Theory of Solids

• Each material type (metal, semiconductor, insulator) has a


unique band structure, which determines its electrical
conductivity.
• Energy bands form due to interactions of atomic orbitals in
solids.
• Valence band: highest range of electron energies where
electrons are normally present.
• Conduction band: energy range above valence band where
electrons are free to move.
Energy Band Diagrams Explained -
Insulator
• Figure 3.19: Energy Bands of an Insulator
• (a): Completely empty band → no electrons → no conduction.
• (b): Completely full band → no empty states → no
conduction.
• (c): Large bandgap (~3.5 to 6 eV) separates valence and
conduction band.

• ➡ Conclusion: No current flow unless very high energy is


applied → very high resistivity.
Energy Band Diagrams Explained -
Semiconductor
• Figure 3.20: Energy Bands of a Semiconductor
• (a): Few electrons near the bottom of conduction band →
some conduction possible.
• (b): Valence band almost full → holes contribute to
conduction.
• (c): Moderate bandgap (~1 eV) between valence and
conduction bands.

• ➡ Conclusion: Moderate conductivity, increases with


temperature or doping.
Energy Band Diagrams Explained - Metal
• Figure 3.21: Energy Bands of a Metal
• (a): Partially filled band → electrons can move to empty states
→ excellent conduction.
• (b): Overlapping bands → electrons flow easily from lower to
upper bands.

• ➡ Conclusion: Metals show very low resistivity, as there are


always free electrons available to conduct.
Detailed Classification
• Material Band Structure Bandgap (Eg)
Conduction Mechanism
• Insulator Full valence band, empty conduction band >
3.5 eV No conduction (no free carriers)
• Semiconductor Nearly full valence, nearly empty
conduction ≈ 1 eV Thermally/electrically excited electrons
& holes
• Metal Partially filled or overlapping bands = 0 or overlap
Free electrons readily available
Effect of Electric Field on Carriers
• In semiconductors:
• - Electrons in conduction band accelerate and flow as current.
• - Holes move in opposite direction, also contributing to
current.

• In insulators:
• - No carriers are available → no current.

• In metals:
• - Plenty of free carriers → high current flows easily.
Temperature Dependence
• Metals:
- Resistivity increases slightly with temperature (due to
scattering).

• Semiconductors:
- Conductivity increases exponentially with temperature (more
electrons excited to conduction band).

• Insulators:
- Negligible change at room temperature due to large Eg.

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