DENSITY OF STATES FUNCTION
The distance between two quantum states in the k , direction, for example, is given by
Generalizing this result to three dimensions, the volume V k of a single quantum
state is
DENSITY OF STATES FUNCTION
We can now determine the density of quantum
states in k space. A differential volume in k space
is shown in the figure and is given by 4 π k 2
dk, so
the differential density of quantum states in k
space can he written as
DENSITY OF STATES FUNCTION: Extension to
Semiconductors
DENSITY OF STATES FUNCTION: Extension to
Semiconductors
The Fermi Function
F(E) specifies, under equilibrium conditions, the probability that an
available state or an energy E will be occupied by an electron.
Equilibrium carrier concentration
Number of conduction band states/cc lying between the energy range E and E + dE
Probability that an available state of Energy E will be occupied by an electron
Number of conduction band Electrons lying between E and E + dE
So the total number of Electrons in the conduction band is
Equilibrium career concentration
Number of valence band states/cc lying between the energy range E and E + dE
Probability that an available state of Energy E will be devoid of an electron
Number of valence band Holes lying between E and E + dE
So the total number of Electrons in the conduction band is
Thus, the total number of Electrons in the conduction band is given by,
Now let,
Then,
Where, is identified as the Fermi-Dirac integral of order 1/2
Rewriting the expression for the electron concentration we get
Where,
The effective density of conduction band states
Similarly for valence band, we define
The effective density of valence band states
Thus,
And by analogy, where,
Also,
Note: The value of the Fermi integral can be obtained from available tables, from plots, or
by direct computation. The general-form relationships, nonetheless, are admittedly
cumbersome and inconvenient to use in routine analyses. Fortunately, simplified closed-form
expressions do exist that can be employed in the vast majority of practical problems.
Such as, if EF is restricted to values EF ≤ (EC - 3kT), then
Similarly, if EF is restricted to values EF ≥ (Ev + 3kT), then
Therefore it follows that, if (Ev + 3kT) ≤ EF ≤ (EC - 3kT),
Alternative Expressions for n and p
We have,
Setting n = p = ni, and Ei = EF. one obtains
ni and the np product
Condition: A
Non-degenerate
semiconductor is
in equilibrium
Charge Neutrality Relationship
For the uniformly doped material to be charge neutral everywhere clearly requires
number of ionized (positively charged) donors/cm3 ,
number of ionized (negatively charged) acceotors/cm3 ,
