Can Aluminum Actually Steal Electrons from Silicon in a Diode?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Dual Op Amp
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Diodes
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Aluminum can indeed interact with silicon in a diode by creating holes in the silicon lattice. When aluminum, which has three valence electrons, diffuses into a silicon matrix, it associates with four silicon atoms. This interaction results in a hole due to the aluminum's inability to share enough electrons with the silicon atoms, as it only has three electrons to bond with four neighboring silicon atoms. This phenomenon is crucial for understanding the behavior of p-type semiconductors in diode applications.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of semiconductor physics
  • Knowledge of crystal lattice structures
  • Familiarity with p-type and n-type doping
  • Basic principles of electron behavior in materials
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of aluminum in p-type doping of silicon
  • Study the properties of silicon crystal lattices
  • Learn about the electron-hole theory in semiconductors
  • Explore the applications of diodes in electronic circuits
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, materials scientists, and students studying semiconductor physics will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in diode functionality and semiconductor doping processes.

Dual Op Amp
Messages
151
Reaction score
0
I have a question regarding diodes. Aluminum has 3 valence electrons, and normally bonds with 3 atoms in order to rid itself of the valence electrons, right? Okay, but when mixed in a matrix of silicon atoms, it doesn't have enough electrons to share with the silicon. This makes a hole. Okay, but according to my books, this hole is swapped between the silicon atoms. It says the aluminum binds with three neighboring silicon atoms, and then it says that it steals one from the silion, in order to fill it's shell, well it's already filled, 3 neighbors!
Help please.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
I've answered my question by myself, but thanks anyway.
 
The crystal lattice of silicon makes each atom bound to 4 neighboring atoms. If you diffuse an Al atom in the crystal, it will associate with 4 adjacent Si atoms. Since it has only 3 electrons to share, there is a hole.
 

Similar threads

Fundamentals of the PN Junction
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
What's the chemistry behind a semiconductor?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Graduate How do acceptor energy levels form in p-doped semiconductors?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Why does a silicon atom in a silicon lattice have 4 single bonds?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
P-N Junction: connecting P-side to -ive terminal and N-side to +ive terminal
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Graduate Can Covalent Bonds Form with Parallel Spin Electrons in Hydrogen Molecules?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Graduate Photoelectron to electron hole pair doubts
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Does the conductivity of something
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Covalent bonding - Energy gain
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Are the positive charges from a hole and a proton ?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K