An intrinsic semiconductor is a pure semiconductor.

Overview

An intrinsic semiconductor is a pure semiconductor with no other atoms in it, meaning the number of charge carriers is simply a function of the material itself. Examples include crystalline form of germanium and silicon. In those materials, the number of excited electrons and the number of holes are equal under thermal equilibrium. The intrinsic concentration is the number of electrons or holes per unit volume. Since those generated through the absorption of thermal energy from its surrounding, the concentration is a strong function of temperature.

In its pure form, a semiconductor has negligible conductivity and is of no particular importance. However, when introduced to a controlled amount of impurities, unique semiconductor devices can be created. Following doping, the resultant semiconductor is known as extrinsic semiconductor.

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