Electrical Engineering › Section P · Semiconductor theory, diodes, and transistors › Topic P.1
Quantum physics, crystal structure, and band theory
Why does a silicon electron need a definite parcel of energy to break free, while a copper electron needs almost none? The answer comes from quantum physics: electrons in atoms have only certain energies, and in a crystal those energies merge into bands separated by gaps.
In this topic
- Why device physics needs quantum ideas
- The planetary atom fails
- Quantised energy levels
- Worked example: hydrogen's red line
- Electrons as waves
- Four quantum numbers and Pauli's principle
- Worked example: building silicon and germanium
- Valence, bonding, and the crystal
- From energy levels to bands
- Worked example: which light can silicon absorb?
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Key takeaways
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