Direct
band-gap (DBG) semiconductor
|
Indirect
band-gap (IBG) semiconductor
|
A
direct band-gap (DBG) semiconductor is one in which the maximum energy level of
the valence band aligns with the minimum energy level of the conduction band
with respect to momentum.
In
a DBG semiconductor, a direct recombination takes place with the release of
the energy equal to the energy difference between the recombining particles.
The
probability of a radiative recombination is high.
The
efficiency factor of a DBG semiconductor is higher. Thus, DBG semiconductors
are always preferred over IBG for making optical sources.
Example,
Gallium Arsenide (GaAs).
|
An
Indirect band-gap (IBG) semiconductor is one in which the maximum energy level
of the valence band and the minimum energy level of the conduction band are
misaligned with respect to momentum.
In
case of a IBG semiconductor, due to a relative difference in the momentum,
first, the momentum is conserved by release of energy and only after the both
the momenta align themselves, a recombination occurs accompanied with the
release of energy.
The
probability of a radiative recombination is comparatively low.
The efficiency factor of a IBG
semiconductor is lower.
Example, Silicon and Germanium
|
k=momentum
|
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Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Differentiate between direct and indirect band gap semiconductors.
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