Why do doped semiconductors have a decreased band gap?

In summary, energy gap doping dependence is the phenomenon where the energy gap between the valence and conduction bands in a semiconductor material changes as a result of doping. Doping introduces impurities into the material, which alters its energy levels and can lead to a change in the energy gap. This relationship between doping concentration and energy gap is typically inverse, and it plays a crucial role in the performance of semiconductor devices. However, the energy gap doping dependence can be controlled and manipulated through various methods, allowing for the customization of semiconductor devices for specific applications.
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Could anyone please explain why doped semiconductors show decrease of the bang gap in comparison to the pure semiconductors.

Web/literature links to relevant information will be appreciated.

Thanks.
 
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It happens at high doping, when the impurity atoms are so close that they interact and the doping energy levels split forming a doping band. That band can merge with the valence band/conduction band making the band gap narrower. See for example http://ecee.colorado.edu/~bart/book/eband6.htm or browse impurity band, gap narrowing .
 
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1. What is energy gap doping dependence?

Energy gap doping dependence is the phenomenon where the energy gap between the valence and conduction bands in a semiconductor material changes as a result of doping, or the introduction of impurities, into the material. This change in energy gap affects the electrical and optical properties of the material.

2. How does doping affect the energy gap in a semiconductor material?

Doping introduces impurities into the crystal structure of a semiconductor material, which alters the energy levels of the material. This can lead to a change in the energy gap between the valence and conduction bands, as well as other properties such as the carrier concentration and conductivity.

3. What is the relationship between doping concentration and energy gap in a semiconductor material?

The relationship between doping concentration and energy gap in a semiconductor material is typically inverse. As the doping concentration increases, the energy gap decreases, and vice versa. This is due to the presence of impurities altering the energy levels in the material.

4. How does the energy gap doping dependence affect the performance of semiconductor devices?

The energy gap doping dependence plays a crucial role in the performance of semiconductor devices. A change in the energy gap can affect the carrier concentration, conductivity, and other electrical and optical properties, which can impact the efficiency and functionality of the device.

5. Can the energy gap doping dependence be controlled or manipulated?

Yes, the energy gap doping dependence can be controlled and manipulated through various methods such as varying the concentration and type of dopants, changing the growth conditions of the material, and using different semiconductor materials. This allows for the customization of semiconductor devices for specific applications.

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