The solids which have intermediate conductivities generally between 10–6 to 104 m–1are called semi-conductors. For example, germanium and silicon. The two main types of semi-conductors are as follows:
(i) n-type semi-conductor : When a silicon crystal is doped with atoms of group-15 elements, such as P, As, Sb or Bi, then only four of the five valence electrons of each impure atom participate in forming covalent bonds and fifth electron is almost free to conduct electricity. Silicon that has been doped with a group-15 element is called n-type semi-conductor.
n-type semi-conductor.
p-type semi-conductor.
ii) p-type semi-conductor: When a silicon crystal is doped with atoms of group B elements, such as B, Al, Ca or In, each impurity atom forms only three covalent bonds with the host atoms. The place where the fourth electron is missing is called a hole which moves through the crystal like a positive charge and hence increases its conductivity. Silicon that has been doped with group-B element is called p-type semi-conductor.