Semiconductor Physics - Density of States Calculation Problem?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the total number of energy states in silicon from the edge of the conduction band to Ec + kT at T = 300K. The equation used is N = (2/3)(4π(2mn*)(3/2)(kT)(3/2))/h³, where Planck's Constant cubed presents computational challenges due to its small value. The user successfully calculates the electron states but struggles with the hole states, given an effective hole mass of 5.10 x 10^-31 and a temperature of 298K, yielding an incorrect result of approximately 1.4 x 10^19 states/cm³. The user seeks advice on potential relationships between electron and hole state densities to facilitate approximation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of semiconductor physics, specifically energy band theory
  • Familiarity with statistical mechanics concepts such as kT
  • Proficiency in calculus for integrating density of states equations
  • Knowledge of Planck's Constant and its significance in quantum mechanics
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  • Research the relationship between electron and hole state densities in semiconductors
  • Learn about the effective mass approximation in semiconductor physics
  • Explore numerical methods for handling small values in calculations
  • Study the impact of temperature variations on semiconductor properties
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Students and professionals in semiconductor physics, materials scientists, and anyone involved in electronic device design and analysis.

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Homework Statement



Determine the total number of energy states in silicon from the edge of the conduction band to Ec + kT for T = 300K.

Homework Equations



N = \intg(E)dE

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm pretty sure I know how to do this one. The only problem is, when I get to the step where I have to plug in numbers (i.e. the equation becomes N = (2/3)(4\pi(2mn*)(3/2)*(kT)(3/2))/h3), I cannot calculate it!

Reason: Obviously Planck's Constant cubed is an INCREDIBLY small number, and my calculator takes exception, just rounding to 0. There must be a way around it, or a rearrangement that helps, but I don't know what to do. Any advice? Sorry if my equation is formatted a little strangely.
 
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Update: Realized I could use Google to calculate such a sum, and got the answer! Now I have a new problem.

The second part of that question asks for the same thing, but for the holes. It gives the effective hole mass as 5.10*10^-31. T = 298K this time. When I plug in the values, I get about 1.4*10^19 (in states /cm^3; my answer in m^3 is to the 10^25), but that's not correct. I'm quite confused as I believe I've put it in correctly.

Besides doing the calculation over again, I was wondering if there was a relationship between the electron state density and the hole state density that might allow me to approximate? I know the temperature differs by 2K.
 

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