Compound semiconductors

When silicon is added to GaAs to make it n-type, which site does the silicon mainly occupy?

  1. AThe arsenic (As) site
  2. BGaps between atoms (interstitial sites)
  3. CThe gallium (Ga) site
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Answer: C. The gallium (Ga) site

When group IV silicon occupies the site of group III gallium, one valence electron is left over and it acts as a donor, making the material n-type. If it occupies the site of group V arsenic, it acts as an acceptor instead. Impurities whose role depends on which site they occupy are called amphoteric impurities.

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