n-type semiconductor
Noun: A semiconductor material in which the majority of charge carriers responsible for electrical conduction are electrons. This is achieved by doping the intrinsic semiconductor (like silicon) with donor atoms that have more valence electrons than the host material, providing extra free electrons.
The term is used to describe the electrical property and classification of a semiconductor material. It is a fundamental concept in solid-state physics and electronics. * Pure silicon is an insulator, but when doped with phosphorus, it becomes an n-type semiconductor. * The junction between a p-type and an n-type semiconductor forms a diode. * In an n-type semiconductor, current is carried primarily by the flow of negatively charged electrons.
- Majority vs. Minority Carriers: In an n-type semiconductor, electrons are the "majority carriers," while holes (the absence of an electron) are the "minority carriers." The material remains electrically neutral overall because the fixed positive charges of the donor ions balance the free electrons.
- Energy Bands: The doping process introduces donor energy levels just below the conduction band, making it easier for electrons to jump into the conduction band and conduct electricity.
- Semiconductor (n): A material with electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator, which can be modified by doping. (e.g., Silicon and germanium are common .)
- Doping (n): The intentional introduction of impurities into an intrinsic semiconductor to modify its electrical properties.
- Donor Atom (n): The impurity atom (e.g., phosphorus, arsenic) added to create an n-type semiconductor. It "donates" a free electron.
- Extrinsic Semiconductor (n): A semiconductor whose properties have been altered by doping, encompassing both n-type and p-type materials.
- p-type Semiconductor (n): The complementary type, where the majority charge carriers are holes, created by doping with acceptor atoms.
- Electron-rich semiconductor
- Donor-doped semiconductor
- n-type material: A common alternative phrasing.
- n-type region: Refers to a specific area within a semiconductor device that is doped to be n-type.
- n-type doping: The process of creating an n-type semiconductor.
-
a semiconductor in which electrical conduction is due chiefly to the movement of electrons
