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Semiconductors control electric current via bandgap energy levels
An energy gap between valence and conduction bands enables modern digital electronics
Semiconductors like silicon possess an energy bandgap separating their filled valence electron bands from empty conduction bands. Supplying thermal, optical, or electrical energy excites valence electrons across this narrow bandgap, permitting controlled electrical current flow. Doping silicon with trace impurities modifies this bandgap to create transistors and solar cells.
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Tags: materials, semiconductors, electronics
Semiconductors control electric current via bandgap energy levels: the short answers
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