Energy Gap of Intrinsic Semiconductors: Temperature Dependence

Thread starter Elliptic
Start date Mar 24, 2012
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Energy Energy gap Gap Semiconductors Temperature Temperature dependence

In summary, the energy gap of intrinsic semiconductors is the difference in energy between the valence band and the conduction band at 0 Kelvin. It decreases with increasing temperature, resulting in higher electrical conductivity. This is in contrast to extrinsic semiconductors, where the energy gap can be manipulated by adding impurities. The temperature dependence of the energy gap can be used to control the electrical conductivity of intrinsic semiconductors in various applications.

Mar 24, 2012

Elliptic

Energy gap dependence on temperature for intristic semiconductors (Si,Ge)

I need help on this topic, where to find text about this, and models that describe it (Varshni's model, linear model,...)

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Mar 24, 2012

dlgoff

Science Advisor

Gold Member

Here's a Google Scholar search on the subject.

http://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Varshni+model+for+Si+and+Ge

Related to Energy Gap of Intrinsic Semiconductors: Temperature Dependence

1. What is the energy gap of intrinsic semiconductors?

The energy gap of intrinsic semiconductors is the difference in energy between the valence band (highest energy level occupied by electrons) and the conduction band (lowest energy level where electrons can move freely) at 0 Kelvin, also known as absolute zero temperature.

2. How does the energy gap of intrinsic semiconductors change with temperature?

The energy gap of intrinsic semiconductors decreases as temperature increases. This is because at higher temperatures, more electrons in the valence band gain enough energy to jump to the conduction band, making it easier for current to flow.

3. What is the relationship between the energy gap and electrical conductivity of intrinsic semiconductors?

The energy gap and electrical conductivity of intrinsic semiconductors have an inverse relationship. As the energy gap decreases, the number of electrons in the conduction band increases, resulting in higher electrical conductivity.

4. How does the energy gap of intrinsic semiconductors differ from that of extrinsic semiconductors?

The energy gap of intrinsic semiconductors is fixed and does not change with the introduction of impurities, while the energy gap of extrinsic semiconductors can be manipulated by adding impurities to the material.

5. Can the temperature dependence of the energy gap be used to control the electrical conductivity of intrinsic semiconductors?

Yes, as temperature increases, the energy gap decreases and the electrical conductivity increases. This can be used to control the conductivity of intrinsic semiconductors in various applications, such as in thermoelectric devices.