The modern world depends upon semiconductor materials to function. It means it depends upon many other materials that are often semiconductors themselves.
From solar cells to transistors to LEDs, semiconductors make the modern world possible. But what materials go into engineering uses of semiconductors? What are the best semiconductor materials?
We’ll walk you through semiconductor engineering materials and give you the information you need. Keep reading!
Silicon
This is a popular and inexpensive material that is easy to work with. Silicon has a relatively high melting point, which makes it ideal for use in high-temperature applications which is why it’s used in a variety of electronic devices.
It is known for its stability and reliability. When it comes to a semiconductor material, silicon is the best choice for a variety of engineering applications.
Germanium
Germanium is a chemical element with the symbol Ge and atomic number 32. It is a lustrous, hard-brittle metalloid with a silverish color. Pure germanium is a semiconductor with an approximate bandgap of 0.7 eV at room temperature.
Like silicon, germanium naturally forms p-type doping and n-type doping. Germanium can be doped with arsenic, phosphorus, antimony, and bismuth to produce p-type semiconductor materials. To produce an n-type semiconductor, you can use tellurium, zinc, cadmium, and mercury.
Germanium is also very resistant to radiation and has a very high electrical conductivity.
Gallium Arsenide
Gallium arsenide has outstanding electrical and thermal properties. Its electron mobility is about three times higher than that of silicon, and its thermal conductivity is about twice that of silicon.
Since it has a much higher melting point, this makes it ideal for use in high-temperature applications. It is also a very stable material, meaning that it can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
Indium Arsenide
Indium arsenide is being used in semiconductor devices for a variety of purposes. Its main advantage over other materials is its high electrical conductivity.
This makes it ideal for use in low-noise amplifiers and other sensitive electronic equipment. Indium arsenide is also used in optical devices and in solar cells.
Diamond
A diamond is a great semiconductor material for engineering purposes because of its properties. It has a wide bandgap, which means it can be used for high-power applications.
It is also resistant to radiation and has a high melting point, making it ideal for use in harsh environments. Diamond is a good conductor of heat, making it ideal for use in high-temperature applications.
Aluminum
There are a few different types of semiconductor materials that are good for engineering purposes, but aluminum is definitely one of the best.
It is a very versatile metal that can be used for a variety of applications, and it is also very affordable. This has a very low melting point, which makes it ideal for use in semiconductor devices.
Using an aluminum sputtering target is also a good choice for applications where thermal conductivity is important.
Choose the Best Semiconductor Materials for Your Needs
Take the time to do research on the different types. Each one has different properties that make them well-suited for different engineering applications. The best semiconductor materials are those that have the desired properties for the application.
So, why wait? Get the best semiconductor materials for your needs today!
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