What the heck is a Potential Well?

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SUMMARY

A potential well is defined as a "depression" in the potential energy profile, which can trap charge carriers within the conduction or valence band. This phenomenon is crucial in semiconductor physics, as it allows for the confinement of particles, particularly in quantum mechanics scenarios. Common examples include harmonic oscillators and square potential wells, which are fundamental concepts in understanding semiconductor devices. The discussion highlights the importance of grasping these concepts for further exploration in semiconductor technology.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of semiconductor physics
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics principles
  • Knowledge of conduction and valence bands
  • Concept of potential energy profiles
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical formulation of potential wells in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the applications of potential wells in semiconductor device design
  • Learn about harmonic oscillators and their significance in quantum physics
  • Investigate the role of potential wells in trapping charge carriers
USEFUL FOR

Students of semiconductor physics, quantum mechanics enthusiasts, and professionals involved in semiconductor device engineering will benefit from this discussion.

user101
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Hi, I'm reading my semiconductors book and I have NO idea about what this is. I don't really understand what a potential well is. They say that it can form new devices, but never says how.

Wikipedia isn't helping either. Anyone care to jump in?
 
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Your semiconductor book doesn't require you to know a bit of quantum physics before reading it?

Zz.
 
Ok If I'm reading this right, a potential well is when either the conduction or valence band has a spike, where in this spike, it can trap charge careers?

and Zapper, I was looking at your blog, specifically at your blogpost "The Black Hole" where you post a video of you being on comedy central. Congrats. Which one is you?
 
Last edited:
user101 said:
Ok If I'm reading this right, a potential well is when either the conduction or valence band has a spike, where in this spike, it can trap charge careers?

I can't say anything about what you are reading. However, a "potential well" is any "depression" in the profile of the potential energy. For example, a harmonic oscillator has a potential well described by V(x) = -kx^2. You can also have a square potential well, which is what most students in quantum mechanics would encounter, etc.. etc. You can sort of think of it as a "valley", where particles not having enough energy will usually be confined within that well.

and Zapper, I was looking at your blog, specifically at your blogpost "The Black Hole" where you post a video of you being on comedy central. Congrats. Which one is you?

The ugly one! :)

Zz.
 
I'm guessing you're the guy in the blue shirt with glasses, cause I think that's the only time when the video shows a clip of a guy for 1.5 sec. Am I right :) ?
 

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