Distinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors?


Question: Distinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors?

Intrinsic Semiconductor:

- An intrinsic semiconductor is a pure semiconductor material with no intentional impurities added.

- It has an equal number of electrons and holes, making it electrically neutral.

- Intrinsic semiconductors have a relatively low electrical conductivity at room temperature.

- The conductivity of an intrinsic semiconductor increases with temperature due to the generation of more electron-hole pairs through thermal excitation.

- It exhibits a balanced number of positive and negative charge carriers.

- Examples of intrinsic semiconductors include pure silicon (Si) and germanium (Ge).


Extrinsic Semiconductor:

- An extrinsic semiconductor is a semiconductor material that has been intentionally doped with impurities to modify its electrical properties.

- Impurities are added to the semiconductor crystal lattice to increase either the number of free electrons (n-type) or the number of holes (p-type).

- Extrinsic semiconductors have a higher electrical conductivity compared to intrinsic semiconductors.

- The doping process creates an excess of either electrons or holes, leading to an imbalance of charge carriers.

- In n-type semiconductors, impurities such as phosphorus or arsenic are added, creating extra electrons. In p-type semiconductors, impurities such as boron or gallium are added, creating extra holes.

- Extrinsic semiconductors are commonly used in electronic devices and circuits due to their controllable conductivity and ability to form junctions, such as p-n junctions.


In summary, intrinsic semiconductors are pure semiconducting materials without intentional doping, while extrinsic semiconductors are doped semiconductors with added impurities to modify their electrical properties. Intrinsic semiconductors have equal numbers of electrons and holes, while extrinsic semiconductors have an imbalance of charge carriers due to intentional doping.


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