Semiconductor Crystal Structure

Silicon Lattice with Dopants - Electron & Hole Behavior

Temperature: ~300K
Conduction Band
Band Gap (~1.1 eV)
Valence Band
300K
Free Electron
Electron Hole
Silicon Atom
Phosphorus (N-type)
Boron (P-type)

Crystal Lattice Structure

Silicon atoms form a crystalline structure where each atom bonds with four neighbors. This creates a stable lattice with electrons shared in covalent bonds.

Thermal Excitation

At room temperature, thermal energy can break covalent bonds, creating free electrons and holes. Higher temperatures increase this effect exponentially.

Doping Effects

N-type: Phosphorus atoms donate extra electrons.
P-type: Boron atoms create electron holes.
This controlled doping enables semiconductor devices.

Energy Bands

The band gap determines semiconductor properties. Electrons must gain enough energy to jump from the valence band to the conduction band to conduct electricity.