Semi-Conductors

Subject – Science and Tech

Context – Jio Phone Next delayed: Challenges ahead for Jio to manage component supply shortage and price, say industry experts

Concept –

Semiconductors are the materials which have a conductivity between conductors (generally metals) and non-conductors or insulators (such as ceramics).
Semiconductors can be compounds such as gallium arsenide or pure elements, such as germanium or silicon. .
Semiconductors like Gallium arsenide, germanium, and silicon are some of the most commonly used semiconductors.
Silicon is used in electronic circuit fabrication and gallium arsenide is used in solar cells, laser diodes, etc.

Properties of Semiconductors:

Semiconductor acts like an insulator at Zero Kelvin. On increasing the temperature, it works as a conductor.
Due to their exceptional electrical properties, semiconductors can be modified by doping to make semiconductor devices suitable for energy conversion, switches, and amplifiers.
Lesser power losses.
Semiconductors are smaller in size and possess less weight.
Their resistivity is higher than conductors but lesser than insulators.
The resistance of semiconductor materials decreases with the increase in temperature and vice-versa.

Uses of Semiconductors

Temperature sensors are made with semiconductor devices.
They are used in 3D printing machines
Used in microchips and self-driving cars
Used in calculators, solar plates, computers and other electronic devices.
Transistor and MOSFET used as a switch in Electrical Circuits are manufactured using the semiconductors.
The physical and chemical properties of semiconductors make them capable of designing technological wonders like microchips, transistors, LEDs, solar cells, etc.
The microprocessor used for controlling the operation of space vehicles, trains, robots, etc is made up of transistors and other controlling devices which are manufactured by semiconductor materials.

To know about the applications and advantages of Semi-conductors, please click here.