QM - Etop of electron distribution of a semiconductor

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the energy level above the conduction band edge (Ec) where the electron distribution peaks in a nondegenerate semiconductor, specifically Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) with a bandgap (Eg) of 1.42 eV at a temperature (T) of 300K. The participant utilizes the effective mass (m_e) and the density of states function (g_{c}(E)) to derive the electron distribution (n) using the Fermi function (f(E)). The solution involves calculating the derivative of the product g_{c}(E) * f(E) to find the critical points, including the sought-after Etop.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of semiconductor physics, particularly nondegenerate semiconductors.
  • Familiarity with the concepts of effective mass (m_e) and Fermi energy (E_f).
  • Knowledge of the density of states function (g_{c}(E)) and its application in electron distribution.
  • Proficiency in calculus, specifically integration and differentiation techniques.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of the density of states function in semiconductors.
  • Learn about the Fermi-Dirac distribution and its implications for electron behavior in semiconductors.
  • Explore numerical integration techniques for evaluating complex integrals in semiconductor physics.
  • Investigate the effects of temperature on the electronic properties of semiconductors like GaAs.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, semiconductor researchers, and engineers working on electronic materials, particularly those focusing on the electronic properties of nondegenerate semiconductors.

f_xer
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Homework Statement



I'm trying to find energy level above Ec where electron distribution makes a peak for a nondegenerate semiconductor. For this case we may take GaAs having Eg = 1.42eV at T = 300K.

Homework Equations


[tex]m_e[/tex]=single isotrophic effective mass or [tex]m_0[/tex]
energy states, [tex]g_{c}(E) = \frac{m_{e}\ast\sqrt{2m_{e}(E-E_{c})}}{pi^2 * hbar^3}[/tex]
fermi function for a nondegenerate semiconductor, [tex]f(E) = exp((E_f-E)/kT)[/tex]
electron distribution, [tex]n=N_{c}*exp((Ef-Ec)/kT)[/tex] and [tex]N_{c}=4.21\ast10^{17} cm^-3[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I think I'll give a fermi energy level equal to 3kT above Ec where semi.con. is still nondegenerate. Then I'll calculate n. Afterwards I'll equate n to [tex]\int g_{c}(E)*f(E)*dE[/tex] taking a limit to 99 % of n. By that I intend to find top limit of the integral which must be the Etop.
But i do not how to evaluate a integral such as [tex]\sqrt{E}*exp(c*E)[/tex]
ps: partial integral is not working.
Is there another {easy :( }approach?
 
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I found the answer:
derivative of
[tex]g_{c}(E) * f(E)[/tex]
gives the minimum points of electron distribution
one of them is [tex]E_{c}[/tex] and the other is [tex]E_{top}[/tex] which is asked by the question ;)
 

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