_____ impurities are added to the wafer of the crystala)n impuritiesb)...
p impurities are introduced as the crystal is grown. This increases the hole concentration in the device.
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_____ impurities are added to the wafer of the crystala)n impuritiesb)...
Introduction:
In the process of manufacturing a semiconductor device, impurities are intentionally added to the wafer of the crystal. These impurities play a crucial role in altering the electrical properties of the semiconductor material, thereby enabling the functionality of various electronic components.
Explanation:
Purpose of impurities:
Impurities are added to the wafer of the crystal to modify the electrical behavior of the semiconductor material. By selectively introducing impurities into the crystal lattice, it is possible to create regions of different conductivity and control the flow of electric current within the semiconductor device.
P impurities:
In the context of this question, the impurities added to the wafer of the crystal are referred to as "p impurities" or p-type dopants. P impurities are atoms with one less valence electron than the semiconductor material. These impurities are typically from Group III elements in the periodic table, such as boron or aluminum. When these p impurities are incorporated into the crystal lattice, they create "holes" or regions where electrons are missing.
Formation of p-type semiconductor:
When p impurities are added to the wafer, they bond with the neighboring atoms in the crystal lattice. This bonding creates a region with excess positive charge, as there are fewer electrons available to balance the positive charges of the atoms. This region is known as the p-type semiconductor.
Effect on electrical behavior:
The presence of p impurities in the crystal lattice alters the electrical behavior of the semiconductor material. It reduces the number of free electrons available for conduction, as the excess positive charge attracts nearby electrons. This results in the formation of electron-hole pairs. The mobility of electrons is limited, and the flow of electric current within the p-type semiconductor is primarily due to the movement of holes.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, p impurities are intentionally added to the wafer of the crystal in the manufacturing process of a semiconductor device. These impurities create regions of excess positive charge, leading to the formation of a p-type semiconductor. By modifying the electrical behavior of the semiconductor material, p impurities enable the functionality of various electronic components.
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