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Semiconductor Resistivity Formula:
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Semiconductor resistivity (ρ) is a measure of how strongly a semiconductor material opposes the flow of electric current. It depends on the material's intrinsic properties including carrier density and mobility.
The calculator uses the semiconductor resistivity formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula shows that resistivity decreases with increasing carrier density and mobility, as more charge carriers and better mobility facilitate current flow.
Details: Accurate resistivity calculation is crucial for semiconductor device design, material characterization, and predicting electronic behavior in integrated circuits and electronic components.
Tips: Enter elementary charge in coulombs (typically 1.6×10⁻¹⁹ C), carrier mobility in m²/V·s, and carrier density in m⁻³. All values must be positive and non-zero.
Q1: What is typical resistivity range for semiconductors?
A: Semiconductor resistivity typically ranges from 10⁻⁵ to 10⁸ ohm·m, depending on doping concentration and material type.
Q2: How does temperature affect semiconductor resistivity?
A: Unlike metals, semiconductor resistivity generally decreases with increasing temperature due to increased carrier concentration from thermal generation.
Q3: What are typical carrier mobility values?
A: Electron mobility in silicon is about 0.15 m²/V·s, while hole mobility is about 0.05 m²/V·s. Values vary by material and purity.
Q4: How does doping affect resistivity?
A: Increased doping increases carrier density, which decreases resistivity according to the inverse relationship in the formula.
Q5: What is the difference between resistivity and resistance?
A: Resistivity is an intrinsic material property, while resistance depends on both resistivity and geometric factors (length and cross-sectional area).