How Does cm^{-3} Indicate Atom Density in Doped Silicon Crystals?

  • Thread starter Thread starter nhrock3
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Unit
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that the notation cm-3 is used to represent atom density in doped silicon crystals, specifically indicating a concentration of 1 x 1018 atoms of antimony per cubic centimeter. This notation is essential for calculating semiconductor operation, as it conveys the number of atoms in a defined volume. The confusion regarding the use of negative exponents is resolved by explaining that cm-3 is equivalent to 1/cm3, emphasizing the concept of density per unit volume.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of semiconductor physics
  • Familiarity with doping processes in silicon crystals
  • Basic knowledge of units of measurement, particularly volume
  • Concept of exponents and their applications in scientific notation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of semiconductor doping and its effects on electrical properties
  • Explore the role of antimony as a dopant in silicon crystals
  • Learn about the mathematical representation of density and concentration in materials science
  • Investigate the significance of cubic centimeters in physical measurements and calculations
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in materials science, semiconductor engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of doping in silicon crystals.

nhrock3
Messages
403
Reaction score
0
"a silicon cristal is doped with 1000000000000000000 cm^{-3} atoms of antimon"

how does cm^{-3} represents a number of atom

why not just say
"a silicon cristal is doped with 1000000000000000000 atoms of antimon"
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
That's a concentration. There are 1 x 10^18 atoms of antimony per cubic cm. You need doping level (concentration) in order to calculate semiconductor operation.
 
why cubic cm is cm with power of -3
and not power +3
?

cubic is power +3
 
It is! If you know exponents, cm^-3 is the same thing as 1/cm^3. Something per cubic cm, as we say.
 
aaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh thanks
 

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
5K
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
14K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K