n-type Semiconductor

n-type Semiconductor A semiconductor wherein certain impurities (Group 5 elements) are added to a pure semiconductor to increase the electron count. An intrinsic semiconductor, which is a pure semiconductor, does not conduct electricity as the electrons combined with the atomic nucleus cannot move. By adding particular impurities to an intrinsic semiconductor, the number of electrons or holes is increased, which in turn allows for an adjustment of the conductivity. This type of semiconductor is called an extrinsic or doped semiconductor. When single-crystal silicon (an intrinsic semiconductor), a Group 4 element, has Phosphorus (P), Arsenic (As), or other Group 5 elements with 5 valence electrons added as impurities, the silicon electrons form a covalent bond with the impurities. Then, it is left with an extra electron. When electricity is added to the silicon crystal in this state, the extra electron, without a place to be, becomes a free electron that makes electricity flow. This is called an n-type semiconductor. ※ The current in an n-type semiconductor