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What is intrinsic in semiconductor ?

Semiconductor study

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Sasha’s Answer

Hi Lucy,

Semiconductors are unique materials that can conduct electricity under certain conditions while acting as insulators under others, providing remarkable control over electrical and optical signals. They can be viewed as a hybrid between conductors, which facilitate unrestricted electrical flow, and insulators, which prevent it. This duality allows semiconductors to regulate electrical flow, akin to the operation of a light switch.

The distinctive properties of semiconductors arise from their composition, often involving elements like silicon, germanium, and compounds such as gallium arsenide. By introducing impurities through a process known as doping, the conductivity of these materials is altered, enabling precise control over electrical currents. Common applications of semiconductors include everyday devices such as radios, televisions, computers, smart gadgets, and medical instruments. For those interested in advancing the technology that drives contemporary innovations, a focus on semiconductors presents an excellent opportunity.

Semiconductor course curriculum
Some beginner course can help you get up to speed on topics including:

- Static electricity
- Ionization
- Good and poor materials for conduction
- Electron emissions
- Doping and conductivity
- Silicone semiconductors
- Solar cells

Explore semiconductor jobs
There are many professional opportunities for individuals with semiconductor knowledge. You can contribute to technological advancements in roles such as:

- Semiconductor engineer: Designs, tests, and manufactures semiconductor devices and integrated circuits (ICs).
- Research scientist: Works on the research and development of semiconductor devices and technologies.
- Quality assurance engineer: Tests and ensures the quality of semiconductor devices before they are released to the market.
- Application engineer: Integrates semiconductor products into new systems and troubleshoots any issues that may arise.
- Instrumentation and control (IC) technician: Operates and maintains the equipment used in the semiconductor manufacturing process.

While many of these roles exist within similar industries, employment qualifications for careers that require knowledge of semiconductors differ based on the position and employer. Some roles may require an engineering degree, while others may only ask for a demonstration of skills that can be acquired in a boot camp, for example. Before deciding on which learning path will work best for you, research potential roles you hope to pursue and align your coursework with your professional aspirations.

Best of luck!
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Iryna’s Answer

Hi Lucy!

An intrinsic property of a semiconductor refers to the characteristics of the material itself, without any external influence or doping. One of the fundamental intrinsic properties of semiconductors is their bandgap energy.

Key Intrinsic Properties:
Bandgap Energy:
The energy difference between the valence band and the conduction band. For intrinsic semiconductors, this determines the temperature at which electrons can be excited from the valence band to the conduction band to create charge carriers.

Electrical Conductivity:
Intrinsic semiconductors have a moderate level of electrical conductivity that increases with temperature due to the generation of electron-hole pairs.

Temperature Dependence:
The conductivity of intrinsic semiconductors is highly temperature-dependent. As temperature increases, more electrons gain enough energy to cross the bandgap.

Carrier Concentration:
In intrinsic semiconductors, the concentration of electrons and holes is equal, resulting from thermal generation.

Optical Properties:
The ability of intrinsic semiconductors to absorb and emit light at certain wavelengths is tied to their bandgap.

These properties are crucial in semiconductor research and applications, influencing the design and function of electronic components like diodes, transistors, and photovoltaic cells.
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