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What is an intrinsic semiconductor?

What is an intrinsic semiconductor?

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- A semiconductor in an extremely pure form is known as an intrinsic semiconductor. In an intrinsic semiconductor, even at room temperature, hole-electron pairs are created. When electric field is applied across an intrinsic semiconductor, the current conduction takes place by two processes, namely; by free electrons and holes as shown in Fig. 2.10. The free electrons are produced due to the breaking up of some covalent bonds by thermal energy. At the same time, holes are created in the covalent bonds. Under the influence of electric field, conduction through the semiconductor is by both free electrons and holes. Therefore, the total current inside the semiconductor is the sum of currents due to free electrons and holes. It may be noted that current in the external wires is fully electronic i.e. by electrons. What about the holes?
- Referring to Fig. 2.10, holes being positively charged move towards the negative terminal of supply. As the holes reach the negative terminal B, electrons enter the semiconductor crystal near the terminal and combine with holes, thus cancelling them. At the same time, the loosely held electrons near the positive terminal A are attracted away from their atoms into the positive terminal. This creates new holes near the positive terminal which again drift towards the negative terminal.

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Mutiso answered the question on October 18, 2018 at 17:26

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