Exploring Conductivity in Semi-Metallic Materials

In summary, the conversation discusses the presence of current conduction with holes in semi metals and metals. It is determined that there can be holes in metals, but their motion is restrained by a lack of available energy states, making it difficult to have a significant current. In semi conductors, the presence of holes in the valence band and free electrons in the conduction band allows for hole current, but it is questioned how this is possible when the valence band is full. The effect is discussed and it is determined that it is impossible when the band is full.
  • #1
Manoir
3
0
Hi,
I would like to know if there is some current conduction with hole in semi metal ?
thank you
 
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  • #3
A semimetal is a material with a very small overlap between the bottom of the conduction band and the top of the valence band. If the energy of the electron (from the valence bound) at 0K is < Ec and if with themal agitation has an energy E >Ec then it should leave a hole in the semi metal as for semiconducteur ?
 
  • #5
thank you, there can be hole in metal as well, if i understand well it says "Their motion is much too much restrained by a lack of available empty energy states " it means that there is not enough hole in a metal to have a significant current, as i think or that there will be a recombination of this hole with a free electron, that is actually the same. It's linked to fermi dirac distribution of hole, depending on temperature but do not remember where it comes from and why it s so low for metal. Any way another question for a semi conductor if you just have "hole" for the last energy state of valance band and completed free electron on conduction band how could you have a hole current because there is no valence electron that can pass trough tunnel effect to the hole to build the "hole" current ? and if you have your valence band that is full, why does your electron could not move due to the electrical potential ? i means the + (cathode) will catch an electron valence and then you have an hole and so on.
Why does this effect is impossible if you have the band full ?
 

FAQ: Exploring Conductivity in Semi-Metallic Materials

What is conductivity?

Conductivity is the measure of a material's ability to conduct electricity. It is determined by the movement of electrons within the material.

What are semi-metallic materials?

Semi-metallic materials, also known as metalloids, are elements that have properties of both metals and non-metals. They have varying degrees of conductivity depending on their structure and composition.

How is conductivity measured in semi-metallic materials?

Conductivity in semi-metallic materials is typically measured using a four-point probe method. This involves passing a small current through the material and measuring the voltage drop across four evenly spaced points. The resulting resistance can then be used to calculate the conductivity.

What factors affect the conductivity of semi-metallic materials?

The conductivity of semi-metallic materials can be affected by several factors, including temperature, impurities, and crystal structure. For example, an increase in temperature can lead to an increase in conductivity, while the presence of impurities can decrease conductivity.

Why is exploring conductivity in semi-metallic materials important?

Understanding the conductivity of semi-metallic materials is crucial for a variety of applications, such as in electronic devices and renewable energy technologies. By exploring and studying their conductivity, we can develop new materials with improved properties and potentially discover new uses for these unique materials.

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