Whats the difference between a vacancy and a hole in semiconductor physics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of vacancies and holes in semiconductor physics, exploring their definitions, properties, and whether they represent the same phenomenon or different entities within the context of crystal structures and charge carriers.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the distinction between vacancies and holes, noting that their notes suggest a hole has properties similar to a vacancy but with specific differences in wavevector and energy.
  • Another participant defines a vacancy as a defect in the crystal structure, while a hole is characterized as a charge carrier in the band structure.
  • A follow-up question is posed regarding the reason for the opposite wavevector between holes and vacancies.
  • It is noted that vacancies involve the absence of an entire atom, whereas holes pertain to the absence of an electron.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to have differing views on whether vacancies and holes are fundamentally the same or different concepts, with some suggesting they are similar while others emphasize their distinct definitions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential ambiguities in definitions and the need for clarity regarding the relationship between vacancies and holes, particularly in terms of their physical implications in semiconductor physics.

lavster
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hi, I am reading my notes on semiconductor physics and this is a concept that is puzzling me - i always thought a vacancy and a hole were the same thing.

in my notes it says that

a hole has the same properties as a full band with one vacancy and so for consistency the hole must have...

(1) opposite k to the vacancy (where k is the wavevector) ie kh = -kv
(2) inverted energy (cf the vacancys energy) which occur wrt the chemical potential

etc

so is it different ways in describing the same thing? if so what's the difference on the two descriptions. Or are the completely different things? again if so, in what way?

thanks :)
 
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A vacancy is a "defect" in the crystal structure. A "hole" is a charge carrier stated in the band structure.

Zz.
 
so why is the wave vector etc opposite?
 
They're similar concepts, but a vacancy is when an entire atom is missing, rather than just an electron.
 

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