Semiconductor physics
Which value is closest to the intrinsic carrier density of silicon at room temperature?
- AAbout 1×10⁴ cm⁻³
- BAbout 1×10¹⁰ cm⁻³
- CAbout 1×10²² cm⁻³
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. About 1×10¹⁰ cm⁻³
The intrinsic carrier density of silicon at room temperature is about 1×10¹⁰ cm⁻³ (1.0 to 1.5×10¹⁰ cm⁻³ depending on the source). Since silicon's atomic density is about 5×10²² cm⁻³, intrinsic silicon has only about one free carrier per 10¹² atoms.