Charge Densities in a Semiconductor

By
Last updated:
  • In intrinsic semiconductor, the electron density is equal to hole density.
  • In extrinsic semiconductor the electron and hole densities are related by ni2 = N⋅P                                    …….(1)
  • The law of charge neutrality also relate the densities of free electron and holes in an extrinsic semiconductor.
  • The law of charge neutrality states that the total positive charge density is equal to the total negative charge density.

         i.e.    ND + P = NA + N                     ………(2)

Where ND is the number of donor atom

Nis the number of acceptor atoms

N is the density of electrons and

P is the density of holes.

Case 1: In N-type semiconductor, there is no acceptor doping atoms. i.e., NA = 0. and also the majority carriers are electrons. The number of electrons is greater than the number of holes. i.e., N>>> P.

∴         P can be neglected.

∴         Equation (2) becomes N= N

Thus in N-type material, the free electron concentration equals to the density of donor atoms.

Case 2: In P-type semiconductor, there is no donor doping atoms. i.e., ND = 0. and also the majority carriers are holes. The number of holes is greater than the number of electrons. i.e., P >>> N,

∴  N  can be neglected.

∴  Equation (2) becomes    NA = P

Thus in P-type material, the hole concentration equals to the density of acceptor atoms.

According to the law of mass action,

                       NP = ni2
                       N   = ni/ P    and  P = ni2/ N

N   = ni2 / N and  P = ni2 / ND

Read More Topics
Conduction in semiconductors
Conducting material – Questions and Answers
Fermi – Dirac distribution function
For Feedback - techactive6@gmail.com

Leave a Comment