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vani_lj
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Can anybody explain...
what makes silicon indirect band semiconductor?
thanks in advance
Vani
what makes silicon indirect band semiconductor?
thanks in advance
Vani
Silicon is an indirect semiconductor because its bandgap has a minimum energy point at a different momentum than its maximum energy point. This means that electrons and holes have different minimum energy levels and therefore require more energy to be excited, making it less efficient for use in electronic devices.
The indirect bandgap of silicon makes it less efficient for use in electronic devices compared to direct bandgap semiconductors. This is because indirect semiconductors have a lower rate of light emission and absorption, leading to lower performance in optoelectronic devices such as LEDs and solar cells.
The indirect bandgap of silicon affects its optical and electronic properties. It has a lower absorption coefficient, meaning it absorbs less light, and a lower rate of light emission, making it less efficient for use in optoelectronic devices. It also has a lower electron mobility, affecting its ability to conduct electricity.
It is possible to modify the band structure of silicon to make it a direct semiconductor. This can be achieved by introducing strain or alloying with other materials. However, this process is complex and expensive, and direct bandgap materials are often preferred for applications that require efficient light emission or absorption.
The main advantage of silicon being an indirect semiconductor is its abundance and low cost, making it the most widely used material in the semiconductor industry. However, its indirect bandgap also leads to lower performance in certain electronic and optoelectronic devices, making it less suitable for those applications. Additionally, the process of modifying silicon to become a direct semiconductor can be costly and time-consuming.