An otherwise pure semiconductor material that has a little amount of a chemical element (impurity) injected to change the material’s electrical characteristics. More electrons are introduced by a n dopant. Electron vacancies are produced by a p dopant (holes).
Engineers utilize chemicals known as dopants to make current channels in semiconductors and other types of technology. Doping is a practice that involves the use of a dopant. Chromium and other compounds that are comparable to it are common doping agents. To create a charged environment, they are applied to semiconductors or other gear.
The manufacture of solid-state electronics is one use for dopants and doping techniques. In order to carry current in particular ways, solid state hardware relies on two types of doping known as n-type and p-type doping rather than having moving parts.
Phosphorus, arsenic, or other substances are frequently added during negative, or n-type, doping in order to produce free electrons. Boron or gallium are frequently used in positive, or p-type, doping to form holes in a molecular lattice and generate a positive charge.
Some types of laser technologies are also created via doping. A light emitting diode (LED), a technology that enables new types of lights that minimize fire danger by creating light electrically and without heat, is another consumer product that benefits from doping. The fundamental science of all of these processes relies on molecular charges to guide current for functional outcomes.
What is N-Type Doping?
Free electrons are produced when atoms with more valence electron than silicon are added to a silicon lattice. Since silicon only has four valence electrons, elements containing five valence electrons, such as phosphorus, antimony, and arsenic, are the most frequent n-type dopants.
Four valence electrons are employed to form bonds with the nearby silicon atoms when these atoms are incorporated into the silicon lattice, leaving one valence electron free to travel into the conduction band.
As a result, N-type doping significantly raises the amount of free charge carriers in the semiconductor, boosting its electrical conductivity.
Also Read: What is Discharge Factor?
What is P-Type Doping?
Electron deficits are produced when an atom is added to a silicon lattice that has one fewer valence electrons than silicon. These flaws are frequently referred to as ‘holes’.
Since the extra electrons in n-type semiconductors can be absorbed by the p-type, these holes complement n-type semiconductors and readily receive free electrons.
The p-n junction, a crucial element in the operation of a diode, is inextricably linked to this feature. Boron, aluminium, and gallium are examples of P-type dopants, which have three valence electrons.
