Semiconductor's sensistivity to light

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the sensitivity of semiconductors to light, particularly in the context of their application in photovoltaic cells. Participants explore the mechanisms that allow semiconductors to absorb photons and generate electric current, as well as the potential for advancements in organic photovoltaics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the sensitivity of semiconductors to light is due to photons promoting charge into the conduction band, particularly in doped semiconductor junctions.
  • There is mention of tailoring doping in pin diodes to make semiconductors sensitive to specific light bands, from near IR to UV, which is not possible in insulators.
  • One participant raises the idea of organic photovoltaics and the potential for innovative designs, such as flexible integrated photovoltaic roof shingles.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on the process of doping semiconductors and how it enhances their sensitivity to specific photons, indicating a general understanding of the topic.
  • A participant references the basic theory of conduction bands and suggests that resources on semiconductor theory would provide further insights.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying degrees of understanding and interest in the mechanisms of semiconductor sensitivity to light, with some exploring specific applications and others seeking foundational knowledge. No consensus is reached on all aspects of the topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the limitations of insulators and conductors in relation to semiconductor properties, but do not resolve the complexities of the doping process or its implications for sensitivity.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in semiconductor physics, photovoltaic technology, and organic materials in energy applications may find this discussion relevant.

Somali_Physicist
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Hello guys , I will make this brief.Does anyone know why Semi Conductors are more sensitive to light than other materials? For example Semi Conductors are used in Photovoltaic cells.
 
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A solid state issue. Photons entering the doped semiconductor junction have sufficient energy to promote charge into the conduction band.
With pin diodes the doping can be tailored to make the semiconductor sensitive in specific bands from the near IR into the UV.

Can't do that in insulators. Conductors like cesium make good photo-injectors but that is a surface work function issue.

Are you interested in organic photovoltaics? I wonder how that research is going? Promising technology there. Wouldn't it be cool if some clever gent or lady could design and market an inexpensive roof shingle with a flexible integrated organic photovoltaic, which interconnect in some simple way like LEGO, and still keeps the weather out.

Every house in America goes green. Entrepreneurial windfall $$$$
 
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hbarover2 said:
A solid state issue. Photons entering the doped semiconductor junction have sufficient energy to promote charge into the conduction band.
With pin diodes the doping can be tailored to make the semiconductor sensitive in specific bands from the near IR into the UV.

Can't do that in insulators. Conductors like cesium make good photo-injectors but that is a surface work function issue.

Are you interested in organic photovoltaics? I wonder how that research is going? Promising technology there. Wouldn't it be cool if some clever gent or lady could design and market an inexpensive roof shingle with a flexible integrated organic photovoltaic, which interconnect in some simple way like LEGO, and still keeps the weather out.

Every house in America goes green. Entrepreneurial windfall $$$$
Thankyou dude , do you have any links for the "conduction bands" and the process of doping to alter a semiconductors properties to increase sensitivity.Also if I'm grasping this generally , semiconductors are able to be doped in a specific way that insulators along with conductors lack.Thus this allows specific photons to be absorbed more readily which displace a photo electric current?

I am interested in everything photovoltaic, i have been trying to find bacteria which convert sunlight into electric energy readily.After all, all humans use the energy from plants which itself used photosynthesis to survive.
 
Conduction bands are a basic part of the theory of semiconductors. Any book or website that describes how semiconductors work will discuss them. The same basic processes that are used to make computer chips are also used to make solar cells.

There is a great online free textbook called Principles of Semiconductor Devices. It contains a wealth of knowledge you may find interesting. Here is the relevant chapter to get you started: https://ecee.colorado.edu/~bart/book/book/chapter2/ch2_3.htm
 
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