1. What is Semiconductor Conductivity and Resistivity?

Semiconductor conductivity (σ) and resistivity (ρ) are fundamental electrical properties that describe how well a semiconductor material conducts electric current. Conductivity measures the material's ability to conduct electricity, while resistivity measures its opposition to current flow.

2. How Do the Formulas Work?

The calculator uses the fundamental semiconductor formulas:

Where:

• \( \sigma \) — Electrical conductivity (S/m)
• \( \rho \) — Electrical resistivity (Ω·m)
• \( n \) — Carrier density (charge carriers per m³)
• \( e \) — Elementary charge (1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ C)
• \( \mu \) — Carrier mobility (m²/V·s)

Explanation: Conductivity depends on both the number of charge carriers (n) and how easily they can move through the material (μ). Resistivity is simply the inverse of conductivity.

3. Importance in Semiconductor Physics

Details: These properties are crucial for designing semiconductor devices, understanding material behavior, and optimizing electronic component performance. Conductivity determines how efficiently a semiconductor can be used in transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter carrier density in m⁻³, elementary charge in Coulombs (default is 1.602e-19 C), and carrier mobility in m²/V·s. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is carrier density in semiconductors?
A: Carrier density (n) represents the number of free charge carriers (electrons or holes) per unit volume available for conduction.

Q2: How does temperature affect semiconductor conductivity?
A: Unlike metals, semiconductor conductivity increases with temperature due to increased carrier generation from thermal energy.

Q3: What is typical carrier mobility in semiconductors?
A: Mobility varies by material: Silicon ~0.15 m²/V·s for electrons, Germanium ~0.39 m²/V·s, while GaAs can reach ~0.85 m²/V·s.

Q4: How do intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors differ?
A: Intrinsic semiconductors have equal electron and hole concentrations, while extrinsic semiconductors have dominant carrier types due to doping.

Q5: Why is resistivity important in semiconductor manufacturing?
A: Resistivity determines current handling capacity, power dissipation, and is critical for proper device operation and reliability.