Atomic structure

- An atom is the smallest particle of an element that retains the characteristic of that element.

Neutron
Proton
Nucleus

- Nucleus consist of positively charged particles.

- Electrons are basic particles of negative charged.
- Electrons near the nucleus have less energy than those in more distant orbits.

Have more energy, the electrons

from this distant can move freely or
out from the shell and also less
tightly bound to the atom.
Valence electrons

Outermost shell

have less energy

- Because of the force of attraction between the positively charged nucleus and negatively
charged electron decreases with increasing distance from the nucleus.
- Valence electrons contribute to chemical reactions and bonding within the structure and
determine electrical properties.

Semiconductor, Conductor and Insulator

Conductor material that easily conduct electrical current.

Insulator material does not conduct electrical current.
Conductors + Insulator = Semiconductor

Energy Levels

Conduction band
Conduction band

overlap

Energy gap
Energy gap
Valence band

Valence band

Conduction band
Valence bond

- The difference in energy between the valence band and conduction band called energy gap.
- Amount of energy valence electron must have in order to jump from valence band to
conduction band.

Silicon and germanium

Germanium is limited production due to its temperature sensitivity and high reverse saturation
current ( ls )
Silicon
-

Used for the full range of electronic devices.

Low cost.
Good temperature.
Excellent breakdown voltage level.

Silicon most widely used in diodes, transistors, integrated circuits and other. Silicon and
germanium have characteristic four valence electrons.

Valence shell (four valence electrons)

(a) Silicon

(b) Germanium