Semiconductor physics: Resistivity,mobility and concentration.

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating intrinsic hole and electron concentrations in pure silicon at 300 Kelvin, given its resistivity and mobility ratios. The resistivity is noted as 950Ωm, with an electron mobility of 0.12 m²/V·s and a hole mobility derived as 0.04 m²/V·s based on the provided mobility ratio. The conductivity equation is applied, leading to the formulation of a relationship between carrier concentrations and mobilities. The resulting calculations yield both electron and hole concentrations at approximately 4.118 x 10^16 m^-3. Emphasis is placed on the importance of including units in final answers to avoid losing points.
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Homework Statement



If a sample of pure silicon at 300 Kelvin has a resistivity of 950Ωm, and if the electron-to-hole mobility ration is 3:1, with the electron mobility equal to 0.12m2V-1s-1, what are the intrinsic hole and electron concentrations?

Homework Equations



I know resistivity is equal to
\frac{ρL}{A}. But I don't think this is applicable. I cannot find any equations in books or on the internet connecting these properties (concentration, mobility and resistivity).

The Attempt at a Solution



Well considering the ratio of electron to hole mobility is 3:1, I presume that the hole mobility is 0.04m2V-1s-1 (ie. electron mobility divided by 3). After that, I'm completely lost!
Any help would be appriciated! :smile:
 
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You should be able to write the conductivity of the silicon (inverse of the resistivity) in terms of the concentration of carriers and their mobility. If you haven't learned this, Google it.
 
Can't believe I didn't think of that!
Thanks a million.

Here's my answer if anyone wants it.

σ=\frac{1}{ρ}

1.053x10-3 = q (nμn + pμp)
Where:

q is the charge of an electron.
μn is the mobility of electron. = 0.12
And μp is the mobility of holes. = 0.04

To solve for concentrations (n and p),

Rearranging,

0.12n + 0.04p = 6.579x1015

N = P in intrinsic.

∴ 0.16n = 6.579x1015

& p = n = 4.118x1016
 
Looks good, I think you did it all correctly. However, there are no units on the answer. I always take off points for a number with no units.
 
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