Thermal conductivity is a measure of a material's ability to conduct heat. It is typically measured in watts per meter-kelvin (W/mK) and represents the rate at which heat is transferred through a material.
Doped silicon is a type of silicon that has been intentionally mixed with small amounts of other elements, known as dopants. These dopants alter the electrical and thermal properties of silicon, including its thermal conductivity. Generally, doped silicon has a higher thermal conductivity than regular silicon.
The thermal conductivity of doped silicon can be affected by a variety of factors, including the type and concentration of dopants, temperature, and crystal structure. Additionally, impurities and defects in the material can also impact its thermal conductivity.
Thermal conductivity of doped silicon can be measured using various techniques, such as the hot disk method, transient plane source technique, or laser flash analysis. These methods involve applying a known amount of heat to the material and measuring the temperature change across it to calculate its thermal conductivity.
Doped silicon with high thermal conductivity has various applications in the electronics industry, including as a heat sink material for computer chips and other electronic devices. It is also used in the production of solar cells, as well as in thermoelectric devices for converting waste heat into electricity.