Semiconductors are materials that have electrical conductivity between conductors and insulators. They play a crucial role in modern technology, powering devices such as computers, smartphones, and solar cells. Unlike conductors, which have high conductivity, and insulators, which have low conductivity, semiconductors have moderate conductivity.

Semiconductors possess unique properties that make them desirable for various applications. One such property is the ability to alter their electrical behavior by controlling their conductivity. This is achieved by manipulating the number of charge carriers in the material.

Semiconductors can be classified into two broad categories: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic semiconductors are pure semiconducting materials, such as silicon (Si) and germanium (Ge), which have a natural balance between positive and negative charge carriers. Extrinsic semiconductors, on the other hand, are impurity-doped semiconductors that intentionally introduce impurities to control the conductivity.

In the upcoming posts, we will delve deeper into semiconductor physics, exploring concepts such as energy bands, band gaps, PN junctions, diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits. By understanding the fundamental principles of semiconductor physics, we can appreciate the advanced technology that surrounds us and comprehend the inner workings of electronic devices.