- 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
NA is 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.
∴ Equation (2) becomes ND = 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,
N = ni2 / NA and P = ni2 / ND
Read More Topics |
Conduction in semiconductors |
Conducting material – Questions and Answers |
Fermi – Dirac distribution function |