Silicon in an External E-Field

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SUMMARY

Placing undoped silicon (Si) in an external electric field, such as between capacitor plates, can indeed generate current when illuminated. This phenomenon occurs due to the potential for the electric field to split electron-hole pairs, similar to the behavior observed in p-n junctions. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the effects of electric fields on dielectrics, particularly in relation to photoluminescence measurements in materials like SiO2.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of semiconductor physics, specifically electron-hole pair dynamics.
  • Familiarity with electric fields and their effects on materials.
  • Knowledge of photoluminescence and its measurement techniques.
  • Basic principles of capacitors and dielectric materials.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of electron-hole pair generation in semiconductors.
  • Study the effects of electric fields on dielectric materials, focusing on silicon.
  • Explore photoluminescence spectroscopy techniques for measuring material properties.
  • Investigate the behavior of p-n junctions and their comparison to undoped silicon in electric fields.
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Researchers in semiconductor physics, experimental physicists, and engineers interested in the behavior of silicon under electric fields and photoluminescence applications.

ApplePi314
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Hello!

I was wondering what would happen if you placed a piece of undoped Si in an external electric field (say, between the plates of a capacitor) under illumination. Would it generate current?

I'm essentially trying to understand if a large enough external electric field could split an electron-hole pair in the same manner as a p-n junction.

Sorry if it is a dumb question and I really appreciate any responses.

Thanks!
 
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Sounds like an experiment someone I know wanted to do - put a SiO2-like material in electric field and measure the photoluminescence spectrum... the experiment was never done.

I would go back to basics and study the effect of electric field on dielectrics to get an idea what to expect... All the best!
 

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