Semiconductors

Part 4: Silicon and Germanium

Semiconductors are a unique group of elements which have four valence electrons. The most common examples are silicon and germanium. These elements are poor conductors at low temperatures, but their conductivity increases as temperature rises. Silicon is generally preferred for manufacturing semiconductor devices because it is not as sensitive to temperature variations. Pure silicon does not exist naturally, but is found as an oxide or silicate in sand, and numerous minerals. Sand is used in the manufacture of glass which is an excellent insulator. When pure silicon is produced, it forms a crystal in which the four valence electrons are shared by adjacent atoms, forming what is known as a covalent bond.

The electrical properties of semiconductors change when they are compounded with other elements during the manufacturing process. This process is known as doping. In the manufacture of semiconductor devices, additional elements are added to pure silicon in order to change the electrical properties of the semiconductor and control the flow of electrons through it. Diodes, transistors, resistors and capacitors can all be created within a single chip of silicon or germanium by precise control of the pattern and intensity of doping.

 

 

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