Binding Energy of the hydrogenic acceptor state in Silicon?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The theoretical binding energy of the hydrogenic acceptor state in silicon (Si), specifically due to aluminum impurities, can be calculated using the equations E_b = k_c e^2 / (2a_0) and a_0 = ħ² / (m k_c e²). The hole mass is given as 0.39 and the permittivity as 11.8. It is crucial to incorporate the permittivity into the calculations, as k_c is defined as 1/(4πε) in a medium with permittivity ε. Proper substitution of variables ensures that no terms cancel out incorrectly in the binding energy equation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of semiconductor physics, particularly the behavior of acceptor states.
  • Familiarity with the concepts of binding energy and effective mass in solid-state physics.
  • Knowledge of the permittivity of materials and its role in electrostatics.
  • Proficiency in using quantum mechanics equations relevant to atomic and solid-state systems.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the derivation of the binding energy formula for hydrogenic states in semiconductors.
  • Learn about the role of permittivity in semiconductor physics and its impact on binding energy calculations.
  • Explore the effects of different impurities on the electronic properties of silicon.
  • Study the application of effective mass approximation in semiconductor theory.
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in condensed matter physics, materials science, and electrical engineering, particularly those focusing on semiconductor properties and impurity effects in silicon.

HunterDX77M
Messages
42
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Find the theoretical binding energy of the hydrogenic acceptor state in Si (eg, as produced by Aluminum impurities), using hole mass 0.39 and permittivity 11.8.


Homework Equations


<br /> E_b = \frac{k_c e^2}{2a_0} \\<br /> a_0 = \frac{\hbar ^2}{mk_c e^2}<br />


The Attempt at a Solution


When we discussed binding energy in my class, these were the two equations that my professor gave. But looking at them now, I don't think they are right. For one thing, they don't take the permittivity into account and for another, a0 seems to cancel out several variables in Eb. I've searched around for some time trying to find the equation(s) that would make more sense for this type of problem, but have so far had nothing but dead ends. Is anyone familiar with the equations for a problem like this?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
HunterDX77M said:

Homework Statement


Find the theoretical binding energy of the hydrogenic acceptor state in Si (eg, as produced by Aluminum impurities), using hole mass 0.39 and permittivity 11.8.


Homework Equations


<br /> E_b = \frac{k_c e^2}{2a_0} \\<br /> a_0 = \frac{\hbar ^2}{mk_c e^2}<br />


The Attempt at a Solution


When we discussed binding energy in my class, these were the two equations that my professor gave. But looking at them now, I don't think they are right. For one thing, they don't take the permittivity into account and for another, a0 seems to cancel out several variables in Eb. I've searched around for some time trying to find the equation(s) that would make more sense for this type of problem, but have so far had nothing but dead ends. Is anyone familiar with the equations for a problem like this?

ke means 1/(4∏ε) in a medium of permittivity ε.

No variables cancel if you plug in the expression for ao into the formula for the energy.

ehild
 
ehild said:
ke means 1/(4∏ε) in a medium of permittivity ε.

Oh, yeah. How could I forget about that? That's pretty basic. :-/

No variables cancel if you plug in the expression for ao into the formula for the energy.

This is probably why it's a bad idea for me to do homework without sleeping for the majority of the day.

Thanks for your help! :)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
29
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K