Real Life Applications of Semiconductor

A semiconductor is a material that has electrical conductivity between that of a conductor (like metal) and an insulator (like rubber). It can conduct electricity under certain conditions but not as freely as conductors do. Semiconductors are fundamental components in electronics and are used in devices such as diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits.

The conductivity of Semiconductor is less than a conductor and more than an insulator.

Applications of Semiconductor

Semiconductors, due to its unique property is widely used in various devices that we use in our daily lives. The real life applications of semiconductors are mentioned below:

Electronics Industry

Semiconductors form the foundation of modern electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, and televisions. Silicon is the most widely used semiconductor material and is crucial for manufacturing integrated circuits (ICs) and microchips. These components are essential for processing and storing information, enabling the functioning of electronic gadgets. They are also used to make memory devices.

Energy Generation

Semiconductor-based solar cells convert sunlight directly into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. Silicon-based photovoltaic cells are the most common type used in solar panels. When sunlight hits the semiconductor material, it excites electrons, generating an electric current. This clean and renewable energy source has revolutionized how we generate electricity and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

LEDs

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are semiconductor devices that emit light when an electric current passes through them. The LEDs are highly energy-efficient and have replaced the traditional incandescent and fluorescent lights in the various applications including the residential lighting, automotive headlights and streetlights.

The semiconductor material determines the color of emitted light making the LEDs versatile for the different lighting needs. Indium Gallium Nitride, Aluminum Gallium Indium Phosphide etc. are some semiconductors used in making of LEDs.

Transistors

Transistors are semiconductor devices that amplify or switch electronic signals. Transistors are used as microcontrollers, switch and digital logic circuits. Most of the transistors are made using silicon. However, germanium and gallium arsenide are other two options of semiconductors that are used in transistors.

RFID Tags

Radiofrequency Identification Tags are used to check in and check out in metro stations, used in contact less payment and electronic toll collection. The semiconductors receive data in the form of radio signal and process the information.

Defense System

In defense system, semiconductors are used in drone technology, radar system and navigation system. They are integral components in radar systems, which detect and track aircraft, missiles, ships, and other objects. Semiconductor-based radar systems provide long-range detection capabilities, high-resolution imaging, and advanced signal processing for target identification and tracking.

Application of Semiconductor in Physics

We have explained the application of semiconductor in Physics in detailed below.

• Experimental Physics: Semiconductors are used as detector materials in experimental physics research. For example, semiconductor detectors are employed in high-energy physics experiments to detect particles produced in particle accelerators like the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). These detectors can accurately measure the energy, momentum, and charge of particles. It helps physicists understand the fundamental forces and particles that govern the universe.

• Quantum Computing: Semiconductors are a promising platform for developing quantum computers, which have the potential to solve certain problems much faster than classical computers. Quantum bits (qubits), the basic units of quantum information, can be implemented using the quantum states of semiconductor devices such as quantum dots, superconducting circuits, and trapped ions. Research in semiconductor-based quantum computing aims to exploit the principles of quantum mechanics to perform complex calculations and simulations.

• Condensed Matter Physics: Semiconductors are an essential part of condensed matter physics, which studies the properties of solids and liquids at low temperatures and high pressures. Semiconductors exhibit intriguing quantum phenomena, such as quantum Hall effect, electron transport in nanostructures, and spintronics, which involve manipulating the spin of electrons for information processing and storage.

• Semiconductor Physics: It is important to understand the behavior of electrons and holes (electron vacancies) in semiconductors. This field explores phenomena such as carrier transport, band structure, doping, and semiconductor-device interactions. Theoretical and experimental studies in semiconductor physics have led to the development of semiconductor devices with diverse applications in electronics, photonics, and optoelectronics.

• Optoelectronics and Photonics: Semiconductors are extensively used in optoelectronic devices that generate, detect, and manipulate light. Examples include light-emitting diodes (LEDs), laser diodes, photodetectors, and solar cells. Optoelectronics and photonics research involves the study of semiconductor materials and devices for applications in telecommunications, optical data storage, imaging, sensing, and optical computing.

• Nanotechnology: Semiconductors play a significant role in nanotechnology, which involves the manipulation and control of matter at the nanoscale. Semiconductor nanostructures, such as quantum dots, nanowires, and nanotubes, exhibit unique electronic and optical properties due to quantum confinement effects. Nanotechnology research focuses on fabricating and characterizing semiconductor nanostructures for applications in electronics, photonics, and quantum information processing.

Real Life Experiments of Semiconductors

The real life experiments of semiconductors are discussed below:

Diode Testing

One common experiment involves testing semiconductor diodes to the understand their behavior. By connecting a diode to the power supply and measuring the voltage across it and students can observe the diode’s forward and reverse the bias characteristics. This experiment helps demonstrate the diode’s rectifying properties essential for the electronic circuits.

Transistor Amplification

Another experiment involves using the transistors to amplify signals in the electronic circuits. The Students can build simple transistor amplifier circuits using the common semiconductor components and observe how changes in the input voltage result in the amplified output signals. This experiment illustrates the transistor’s role as the key component in the signal processing and amplification.

Check More

• Intrinsic Semiconductors and Extrinsic Semiconductors

Applications of Semiconductor – FAQs

What are the different types of semiconductor materials?

The Silicon, germanium and gallium arsenide are among the most common semiconductor materials used in the electronic devices. Each material has unique properties and applications.

How do semiconductors differ from conductors and insulators?

The Semiconductors have conductivity levels between the conductors and insulators. Their conductivity can be controlled by the external factors such as the temperature and voltage.

What is doping in semiconductors?

Doping is the process of the intentionally introducing the impurities into the semiconductor materials to the alter their electrical properties. This technique is commonly used to the create n-type and p-type semiconductors essential for the building electronic devices.