What is p type and n type semiconductor?

Answer: P-type semiconductors have positively charged ‘holes’ as majority charge carriers while N-type semiconductors have negatively charged ‘electrons’ as majority charge carriers.

P-type and N-type semiconductors are two essential types of semiconducting materials that play a crucial role in electronic devices, especially in the realm of transistors and diodes.

P-type Semiconductor: A P-type semiconductor is created by introducing a small number of specific impurity atoms, typically from Group III elements of the periodic table (e.g., boron) into a pure semiconductor crystal (usually silicon or germanium).

These impurity atoms have fewer valence electrons than the host semiconductor material, resulting in “holes” or vacant electron positions within the crystal lattice. As a result, P-type semiconductors have a surplus of positively charged “holes,” which can accept electrons from nearby atoms.

N-type Semiconductor: In contrast, an N-type semiconductor is formed by incorporating impurity atoms from Group V elements (e.g., phosphorus) into the semiconductor crystal.

These impurity atoms have extra valence electrons compared to the host material. As a result, N-type semiconductors have an excess of negatively charged electrons.

P-type and N-type semiconductors are fundamental to the operation of electronic devices. When combined, they create P-N junctions, which are at the heart of diodes and transistors, enabling the controlled flow of electric current and facilitating the functioning of modern electronics.