Describe the atomic structure and construction methods of semiconductors.

Description should include

  • atomic structure
    • identifying the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus
    • creating a diagram of the number of electrons in each orbital
  • definition of covalent bonding 
  • materials used
    • identifying pentavalent, trivalent, and pure semiconductor materials
    • providing an explanation of the doping process for creating N- and P-type semiconductor materials 
  • effects of temperature on semiconductor materials 
  • construction methods
    • identifying deposition, removal, patterning, and modification of electrical properties
  • explanation of current flow and hole flow in semiconductor material.

Process/Skill Questions:

  • What is the atomic structure of semiconductor material?
  • What are some terms related to semiconductor construction?
  • How are the electrical properties of semiconductor devices modified?
  • How are semiconductor devices manufactured?
  • What are the strengths and weaknesses of donor and acceptor impurities?
  • What would happen if a negative temperature coefficient had no effect on semiconductor materials? What are the strengths and weaknesses of germanium and silicon semiconductors?
  • What is the relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic material, with respect to donor impurities?
  • What are the strengths and weaknesses of N-type and P-type semiconductor materials?
  • How do pentavalent and trivalent materials compare, with respect to covalent bonding and majority/minority carriers?
  • What is the purpose of doping?
  • How do electron-hole pairs work?