We discuss some basic properties of semiconductors which are crystals and
consist of many atoms with periodic fashion. The energy band formation of the crystal
is qualitatively presented, which leads to a concept of effective mass. We can treat
electrons in conduction band as free ones using this effective mass concept. The motion
of electrons in non-filled valence band can be expressed with holes with positive
charge. We then evaluate intrinsic carrier concentration in crystalline silicon and energy
density using semi-classical quantum theory and Fermi level is defined. The carrier
concentration is controlled by donors or acceptors over a wide range. The free carries
are scattered by fluctuation of periodic potential in the crystal structure. The main
scattering mechanism is lattice vibration and doped impurities. This scattering is related
to carrier mobility. The current and continuity equations are then derived. All these
above are basic concepts used in this book.
Keywords: Acceptor, Bandgap, Boltzmann distribution function, Conduction
band, Continuity equation, Donor, Effective mass, Electron, Energy density,
Fermi level, Fermi-Dirac distribution function, Hole, Mobility, Poisson equation,
Recombination, valence band.
