Band bending, depletion layer thickness, density of occupie

In summary, the conversation discusses a homework question regarding an n-type silicon material with specific properties. The question asks for the evaluation of band bending, depletion layer thickness, and density of occupied surface states. The conversation includes relevant equations and the solution to the question, which involves using the equations and information given about the material. The solution is that the band bending is half of the band gap, the depletion layer thickness can be determined using a specific equation, and the density of occupied surface states can be found using the calculated depletion layer thickness and the given bulk doping density.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


Consider an n-type Si (Eg =1.1eV, ED=EC, εr=11.8) with a bulk doping density ND=1×1017cm-3, a density of acceptor type surface state 1×1014 cm-2 and these states are at the middle of the band gap. Evaluate the amount of:
a) band bending
b)depletion layer thickness
c) density of occupied surface states.

Homework Equations


Qss=Qsc=eNDd
band bending, eVs=e2NDd2/2εrε0

The Attempt at a Solution


I attempted to use equation 2 above but there are 2 unknowns in that equation. Not sure what contributes to the Qss=Qsc.

Thank you very much!
 
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  • #2
I just found out that it is very easy! Because of the high surface state density, band bending is simply half of Eg, 0.55eV. Now We can use the second equation in ' Relevant equations' to determine the depletion depth d. And then we can find density of occupied surface states, NDd. And there we have it, the solution to this question! HAHA!
 

1. What is band bending?

Band bending refers to the bending of energy levels in a material due to the presence of an electric field. In semiconductors, this can occur at the interface between two materials with different band gaps, leading to a difference in the energy levels of electrons.

2. How is depletion layer thickness related to band bending?

The depletion layer thickness is directly related to the extent of band bending at the interface between two materials. As the electric field increases, the depletion layer thickness also increases, resulting in a larger band bending effect.

3. What factors affect the density of occupied states in a semiconductor?

The density of occupied states in a semiconductor is affected by the doping concentration, temperature, and the presence of impurities or defects. A higher doping concentration leads to a higher density of occupied states, while temperature and impurities can decrease this density.

4. How can we measure the band bending and depletion layer thickness in a semiconductor?

Band bending and depletion layer thickness can be measured using techniques such as capacitance-voltage measurements, Hall effect measurements, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. These methods can provide information about the electronic properties of a semiconductor and the extent of band bending at the interface.

5. What is the significance of band bending and depletion layer thickness in semiconductor devices?

Band bending and depletion layer thickness play a crucial role in the operation of semiconductor devices. They affect the conductivity, carrier mobility, and energy levels of the semiconductor, which are important for the functioning of devices such as transistors, solar cells, and LEDs.

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