SEMICONDUCTORS

Semiconductors are solids. Their electrical conductivity lies between that of insulators and that of electrical conductors such as copper – but it can be changed in a targeted way.

WHAT DISTINGUISHES SEMICONDUCTORS

heat-friendly

Semiconductors do not conduct electricity at temperatures close to the absolute zero of –273.15 degrees Celsius. If the temperature rises, their conductivity increases – unlike with metals.

migration-friendly

In contrast to metals, not only negatively charged electrons migrate in semiconductors. The electrons leave behind positive voids, so-called holes, which also move.

transformation-friendly

The properties such as the conductivity of a semiconductor can be specifically influenced by heat and light, but also by incorporating foreign atoms (doping).

Various types

Semiconductors can be made either from one element (particularly from silicon), from a combination of different substances such as gallium arsenide, and from organic, that is, carbonaceous materials.

In use everywhere

Semiconductors paved the way for the triumph of microelectronics. They are in computer chips, smartphones, television sets, cars, solar cells and lasers. They are also interesting for quantum computers.

This text is published in the effzett issuee 1-21. Illustrations: Diana Köhne

Never miss an issue of effzett again

Download latest issue and all issues in the archive as a PDF

Subscribe to free print edition and receive it by post