P-type

P-type is a classification used in semiconductor physics to refer to materials that have acceptor impurities, which create holes in the material's valence band. These materials are known as P-type because the charge carriers in these materials are positively charged holes.

Overview

In a P-type semiconductor, the majority charge carriers are holes, while the minority charge carriers are electrons. The term "P-type" refers to the positive charge of the hole. In these materials, a hole is created when a valence electron gains enough energy to move into the conduction band, leaving behind a vacancy in the valence band.

Doping

The process of creating a P-type semiconductor is known as doping. In this process, a trivalent impurity such as boron or gallium is added to a tetravalent semiconductor like silicon. The trivalent impurity has one less valence electron than the tetravalent semiconductor, creating a hole in the valence band.

Applications

P-type semiconductors are used in a variety of applications, including in the construction of transistors, diodes, and other electronic devices. They are also used in the creation of solar cells, where they can help to convert sunlight into electricity.

See also

• N-type semiconductor
• Semiconductor device
• Doping (semiconductor)

P-type Resources
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