What is the definition of momentum relaxation time in semiconductors?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The momentum relaxation time in semiconductors, particularly silicon, is defined as the average time it takes for a charge carrier to lose its original momentum due to scattering events. This time is typically in the subpicosecond regime, allowing free carriers to respond almost instantaneously to oscillations of an optical wave. The concept is crucial for understanding carrier dynamics in semiconductor physics, as detailed in the referenced paper on silicon semiconductors.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of semiconductor physics
  • Familiarity with scattering events in materials
  • Knowledge of optical wave interactions with materials
  • Basic grasp of time scales in physical processes
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of momentum relaxation time in silicon semiconductors
  • Study the effects of scattering mechanisms on carrier mobility
  • Explore the implications of momentum relaxation time on optical properties of materials
  • Learn about the semi-classical treatment of charge carriers in semiconductors
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, materials scientists, and electrical engineers interested in semiconductor behavior and optical interactions.

n0_3sc
Messages
238
Reaction score
1
What is a "momentum relaxtion time"? Tried googling it but couldn't get any definitions.

Comes from the sentence in a paper on silicon semiconductors:
"the momentum relaxation times lies in the subpicosecond regime...as a result free carriers can follow oscillations of an optical wave almost instantaneously..."
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It is the average time a carrier loses its original momentum due to a scattering event.
 
seems understandable.

thanks.
 
If you have an amazon account:


Page-9 gives a semi-classical treatment and a definition.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

Graduate Free carrier density and the electron momentum relaxation time
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Graduate Carrier relaxation within a quantum well
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Graduate How to show spin ##= \pm 2/\omega## for a circ-polarized gravity wave
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
1K
Undergrad Are solar cells operated under any kind of bias or not?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
Graduate What does it mean to model the distribution of galaxies as cosmic dust?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Graduate Numerical Hartree Fock with Finite Difference Matrices for Helium
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Graduate Hard-Core Boson Model in K space
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
1K
Please give me adivice on solid state physics learning resources
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Graduate QFT as pilot-wave theory - one more time....
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Graduate 4 probe conductivity in discs (Smits)
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K