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Lecture11.3 - Chapter 2 - Introduction To The Quantum Theory of Solids-The K Space Diagrams of Si and GaAs

This document provides information about a prerequisite course for solid state electronics. The course covers metals, insulators, and semiconductors using the textbook "Semiconductor Physics and Devices - Basic Principles" by Donald A. Neamen. It is taught by Dr. Muhammad Usman and introduces the quantum theory of solids, including band structure diagrams and the effect of crystal momentum on direct and indirect bandgap materials. Electron effective mass is also discussed in relation to the curvature of energy bands.

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Zakrya Nadan
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60 views

Lecture11.3 - Chapter 2 - Introduction To The Quantum Theory of Solids-The K Space Diagrams of Si and GaAs

This document provides information about a prerequisite course for solid state electronics. The course covers metals, insulators, and semiconductors using the textbook "Semiconductor Physics and Devices - Basic Principles" by Donald A. Neamen. It is taught by Dr. Muhammad Usman and introduces the quantum theory of solids, including band structure diagrams and the effect of crystal momentum on direct and indirect bandgap materials. Electron effective mass is also discussed in relation to the curvature of energy bands.

Uploaded by

Zakrya Nadan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Pre-Requisite Course

Course Title
PH-102 Solid State Electronics
Electricity and Course Code
Magnetism
ES361/EE333
Textbook
Semiconductor Physics and Devices - Basic Principles”
4th Edition (2012)
Author
Donald A. Neamen

Instructor
Muhammad Usman, Ph.D.
https://www.giki.edu.pk/Faculty/Engr-Dr-Muhammad-Usman 1
Metals, Insulators, and Semiconductors
➢ DIY

2
Introduction to the Quantum Theory of Solids

Extension to Three Dimensions

The E versus k diagrams are, in general, a


function of the k-space direction in a crystal.

➢ Figure 3.25a shows the E versus k diagram for


GaAs.
➢ The valence band maximum and the conduction
band minimum both occur at k=0
➢ The electrons in the conduction band tend
to settle at the minimum conduction band
energy that is at k=0.
➢ Similarly, holes in the valence band tend to
congregate at the uppermost valence band
energy.

3
Introduction to the Quantum Theory of Solids

Extension to Three Dimensions

➢ In GaAs, the minimum conduction band energy


and maximum valence band energy occur at the
same k value.
➢ A semiconductor with this property is said
to be a direct bandgap semiconductor;
➢ transitions between the two allowed
bands can take place with no change
in crystal momentum.

➢ Significant effect on the optical properties of the


material.
➢ GaAs and other direct bandgap materials are
ideally suited for use in semiconductor lasers and
other optical devices.

4
Introduction to the Quantum Theory of Solids

Extension to Three Dimensions

➢ The E versus k diagram for silicon is shown in Figure


3.25
➢ The maximum in the valence band energy occurs at
k=0 as before.
➢ The minimum in the conduction band energy occurs
not at k=0, but along the [100] direction.
➢ The difference between the minimum conduction band
energy and the maximum valence band energy is still
defined as the bandgap energy Eg .
➢ A semiconductor whose maximum valence band
energy and minimum conduction band energy do not
occur at the same k value is called an indirect
bandgap semiconductor.

➢ When electrons make a transition between the conduction and valence


bands, we must invoke the law of conservation of momentum.
➢ A transition in an indirect bandgap material must necessarily include
5
an interaction with the crystal so that crystal momentum is conserved.
Introduction to the Quantum Theory of Solids

Electron Effective Mass


Recall

➢ Thus the curvature of the band determines the electron


effective mass.
➢ For example, in Fig. 3-6a it is clear that the electron
effective mass in GaAs is much smaller in the direct Γ
conduction band (strong curvature) than in the L or X
minima (weaker curvature, smaller value in the
denominator of the m* expression).
➢ A particularly interesting feature of Figs. 3-5 and 3-6 is that
the curvature of d2E/dk2 is positive at the conduction
band minima, but is negative at the valence band maxima.
➢ Thus, the electrons near the top of the valence band
have negative effective mas

Solid State Electronic Devices


Sixth Edition
Ben G. Streetman, Sanjay K. Banerjee 6
Student must read the course textbook(s)
rather than relying on the lecture slides ONLY.

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