Conduction and valence bands in semiconductors

Thus, the conduction band states are indeed s-type and the valence band states are p-type.In summary, the conduction band state is typically s-type and the corresponding valence band state is p-type for direct-gap semiconductors near the conduction band minimum. This is due to the spherical symmetry of the Bloch lattice-function for these states. However, this is not always true and is material dependent, as seen in the example of Cu where the 3d electrons participate in the conduction band. It is important to cite the specific material and location in k-space when considering the band states.
  • #1
Benevito
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Why is the conduction band state s-type and the corresponding valence band state p-type?
 
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  • #2
This is not generally true. What material are you considering and where in k-space?
 
  • #3
Benevito said:
Why is the conduction band state s-type and the corresponding valence band state p-type?

You really should cite where you get such a thing.

As DrDu as pointed, this is not true always and it is material dependent. For example, Cu, a common metal, has the 3d electrons as its valence shell, and thus, the 3d electrons that participate in the conduction band, not the 4s electrons. This already negates the starting point of your question.

Zz.
 
  • #4
For example, here https://www3.nd.edu/~djena/kdotp.pdf it is stated that "For direct-gap semiconductors, for states near the conduction-band minimum (k = 0), the Bloch lattice-function possesses the same symmetry properties as a |S> state . In other words, it has spherical symmetry. The states at the valence band maxima , on the other hand, have the symmetry of p-orbitals"
 
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