Semiconducting substances 101 || Basic Explanation ||

 You all might have heard about mosfets, transistors or LEDs. These all are an extensive application of semiconducting substances.

Widely semiconductors can be classified into two parts intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors. To understand the basis of classification between semiconductors, conductors and insulators , we must get a rough idea about the band theory. According to band theory there are majorly two bands i.e. valence band and conduction band , both separated by forbidden energy gap. You can assume valence band as valence orbit of any element and conduction band encircling it for electricity conduction. The classification is majorly based on the extent of Forbidden energy gap. 

For simplicity you can assume forbidden energy gap as a transitional band in which electrons are momentarily present or electrons are forbidden to stay there. So at noticeable time interval electrons are either in conduction band or valence band.  And the conduction property of any element is majorly due to the charge carriers present in conduction band.

Now let us come to the classification of conductors, semiconductors and insulators: Conductors have negligible energy gap between the conduction and valence. Insulators have large energy gap (>3eV)  and semiconductors have moderate energy gap(<3ev).

Actually to be very specific semiconducting elements are of no use until we modify it appropriately(i.e. by Doping). The doped semiconductors or extrinsic semiconductors are actually the most important part of the modern world.

I would explain the working of doped semiconductors and different devices made by them in my future blogs.

Till then Be Happy :)