Fermi level, band structure of solids, and effect on electrical conduction

In summary, the relationship between the Fermi Level and the band structure of solids is important in determining the electrical conduction properties of a material. The Fermi Level is the energy level of valence electrons at 0 K and can affect the conductivity of a material depending on its position relative to the conduction band. For example, if the Fermi Level is above the lower end of the conduction band, the material will be a good conductor. In terms of occupancy of a semiconductor material, the Fermi Dirac distribution function is typically used, and the position of the Fermi Level depends on whether the semiconductor is intrinsic, n-type, or p-type.
  • #1
solas99
69
1
how is the relationship between fermi level and band structure of solids can effect electrical conduction properties of a material?
 
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  • #2
Hi,

The Fermi Level is the energy level of the valence electrons at 0 K. it is also the upper limit of the valence band. if the Fermi level is above the lower end of the conduction band (like metals), the valence electrons have enough energy to flow, and the material is thus a good conductor. If the Fermi level is separted from the lower end of the conduction band by a large gap, then the electrons do not have enough energy to escape their bonds (insulators). However, if this band gap is small (semi conductors), the electrons could be externally excited (eg., thermally, electric field) in order to jump into the conduction band and flow.

hope this helps

Ali
 
  • #3
:) thanks, nice and easy :P
 
  • #4
when calculating occupancy of a semiconductor material 50meV from conduction band at temperature T.

my question is: do i start by using the fermi dirac distrubution function? or is there something I am missing?
 
  • #5
hi,
i read somewhere that fermi level is situated at the middle of energy band gap for intrinsic semiconductors,above the center for n-type semiconductors and below the center for p-type semiconductors.i,however,am not able to understand the reason behind it.please help.
 

Related to Fermi level, band structure of solids, and effect on electrical conduction

1. What is the Fermi level in a solid?

The Fermi level is the highest energy level occupied by an electron at absolute zero temperature. It represents the energy at which the probability of finding an electron is equal to 0.5 and is a measure of the energy of the most energetic electrons in a solid.

2. How does the band structure of a solid affect its electrical conduction?

The band structure of a solid refers to the arrangement of energy levels that electrons can occupy. In a solid, there are two types of energy levels - valence band and conduction band. The valence band is filled with electrons and the conduction band is empty. For a solid to conduct electricity, electrons must be able to move from the valence band to the conduction band. Therefore, a solid with a wider band gap between the valence and conduction bands will have poor electrical conductivity compared to a solid with a narrower band gap.

3. How does temperature affect the Fermi level in a solid?

As the temperature of a solid increases, the Fermi level also increases. This is because at higher temperatures, more electrons gain enough energy to jump from the valence band to the conduction band. This results in an increase in the number of available energy levels in the conduction band, causing the Fermi level to rise.

4. What is the relationship between the Fermi level and the number of electrons in a solid?

The Fermi level is directly proportional to the number of electrons in a solid. This means that as the number of electrons increases, the Fermi level also increases. This relationship is important in understanding the electrical and thermal properties of a solid, as the number of electrons can affect the conductivity and heat capacity of a material.

5. How do impurities affect the Fermi level in a solid?

Impurities in a solid can either donate or accept electrons, which can change the number of energy levels in the valence and conduction bands. This, in turn, affects the Fermi level. For example, impurities that donate electrons can lead to an increase in the Fermi level, while impurities that accept electrons can cause a decrease in the Fermi level. These changes in the Fermi level can significantly alter the electrical and thermal properties of a solid.

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