Semiconductor physics: Resistivity,mobility and concentration.

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around semiconductor physics, specifically focusing on the relationship between resistivity, mobility, and carrier concentration in pure silicon at 300 Kelvin. The original poster presents a problem involving the calculation of intrinsic hole and electron concentrations given specific mobility values and resistivity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to connect resistivity with carrier concentration and mobility but expresses uncertainty about the relevant equations. Some participants suggest considering the conductivity of silicon in relation to carrier concentration and mobility, while others reflect on the implications of the mobility ratio.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with one providing a detailed equation involving conductivity and carrier concentrations. There is acknowledgment of the need for units in the final answer, indicating a focus on precision in the calculations. No explicit consensus has been reached, but productive lines of reasoning are being explored.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions difficulty in finding equations that relate the discussed properties, indicating a potential gap in their resources or understanding of the topic. The problem is framed within the constraints of a homework assignment.

Aerozeppelin
Messages
16
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



If a sample of pure silicon at 300 Kelvin has a resistivity of 950Ωm, and if the electron-to-hole mobility ration is 3:1, with the electron mobility equal to 0.12m2V-1s-1, what are the intrinsic hole and electron concentrations?

Homework Equations



I know resistivity is equal to
\frac{ρL}{A}. But I don't think this is applicable. I cannot find any equations in books or on the internet connecting these properties (concentration, mobility and resistivity).

The Attempt at a Solution



Well considering the ratio of electron to hole mobility is 3:1, I presume that the hole mobility is 0.04m2V-1s-1 (ie. electron mobility divided by 3). After that, I'm completely lost!
Any help would be appriciated! :smile:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You should be able to write the conductivity of the silicon (inverse of the resistivity) in terms of the concentration of carriers and their mobility. If you haven't learned this, Google it.
 
Can't believe I didn't think of that!
Thanks a million.

Here's my answer if anyone wants it.

σ=\frac{1}{ρ}

1.053x10-3 = q (nμn + pμp)
Where:

q is the charge of an electron.
μn is the mobility of electron. = 0.12
And μp is the mobility of holes. = 0.04

To solve for concentrations (n and p),

Rearranging,

0.12n + 0.04p = 6.579x1015

N = P in intrinsic.

∴ 0.16n = 6.579x1015

& p = n = 4.118x1016
 
Looks good, I think you did it all correctly. However, there are no units on the answer. I always take off points for a number with no units.
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
10K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
903
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
11K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
5K