Difference Between N-Type and P-Type Semiconductors
Introduction
When it comes to semiconductors, there are two types that are commonly used: N-type and P-type. Both N-type and P-type semiconductors are made by doping a semiconductor material with impurities to tune its electrical properties. However, the doping process and resulting electrical properties of N-type and P-type semiconductors differ significantly.
N-Type Semiconductors
An N-type semiconductor is created by adding an impurity with excess electrons to a semiconductor material, like silicon or germanium. These impurities are called donors because they donate free electrons to the semiconductor material. In an N-type semiconductor, the extra electrons make it easy for electrical current to flow through the material.
P-Type Semiconductors
P-type semiconductors are made by adding an impurity with missing electrons to the semiconductor material. These impurities are called acceptors because they accept electrons from the semiconductor material, creating holes or “electron vacancies”. In a P-type semiconductor, the absence of electrons (or holes) makes it easy for electrical current to flow through the material.
Differences Between N-type and P-type Semiconductors
The key difference between N-type and P-type semiconductors lies in their electrical conductivity. The presence of electrons in N-type semiconductors makes them good conductors of electrical current, whereas the absence of electrons in P-type semiconductors makes them good conductors of holes.
N-type and P-type semiconductors also have different types of carrier mobility. In N-type semiconductors, electrons are the majority carriers and have higher mobility than holes, resulting in faster electron transport. In P-type semiconductors, holes are the majority carriers and have higher mobility than electrons.
Conclusion
In summary, N-type and P-type semiconductors are both important components of modern electronics. N-type semiconductors have extra electrons added to the semiconductor material, whereas P-type semiconductors have holes. Both types of semiconductors have different electrical properties and conduct electrical current in different ways. Understanding the differences between N-type and P-type semiconductors is crucial for designing and building electronic devices with the desired electrical characteristics.
Table difference between n type and p type semiconductor
| N-type Semiconductor | P-type Semiconductor |
|---|---|
| Negative Charge Carriers (Electrons) | Positive Charge Carriers (Holes) |
| Have Extra Electrons in their Structure | Lack Electrons in their Structure (accepts electrons from neighboring atoms) |
| Doped with Elements like Phosphorus, Arsenic, or Antimony | Doped with Elements like Boron, Indium, or Aluminum |
| Conduct Electricity by Drift of Electrons | Conduct Electricity by Movement of Holes |
| Used in Devices like Solar Cells and Transistors | Used in Devices like Transistors and Rectifiers |