What the heck is a Potential Well?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of a potential well, particularly in the context of semiconductors and quantum physics. Participants express confusion about the definition and implications of potential wells, as well as their applications in device formation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a lack of understanding of potential wells as described in their semiconductor book and seeks clarification.
  • Another participant suggests that knowledge of quantum physics may be necessary to understand the concept fully.
  • One participant proposes that a potential well involves a spike in either the conduction or valence band that can trap charge carriers.
  • Another participant elaborates that a potential well can be understood as a "depression" in the potential energy profile, providing examples such as harmonic oscillators and square potential wells, indicating that particles with insufficient energy are typically confined within these wells.
  • There is a light-hearted exchange regarding a blog post and a video, which does not directly relate to the technical discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the definition of a potential well, as there are varying interpretations and levels of understanding expressed throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects varying levels of familiarity with quantum physics and potential wells, indicating that assumptions about prior knowledge may affect comprehension.

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 [itex]V(x) = -kx^2[/itex]. 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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