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10. SEMICONDUCTORS

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10. SEMICONDUCTORS

The group of chemical elements which are semiconductors includes germanium, silicon, celenium, tellurium, boron, etc.

Germanium and silicon have crystal structures, similar to the structure of diamond. Germanium and silicon are two of the best known semiconductors. They are used extensively in devices, such as rectifiers and transistors.

Selenium and tellurium both have a similar structure. Selenium is widely used for making rectifiers and photocells.

The properties of semiconductors are extremely sensitive to the presence of impurities. It is therefore desirable to start with the purest available materials and to produce a controlled amount of the desired impurity. The zone-refining method is often used for further purification of obtainable materials.

For basic studies, as well as for many practical applications, it is desirable to use single crystals. Various methods are used for growing crystals of different materials.

A great contribution to the study of semiconductors physics has been made by the prominent Soviet scientist Academician A. F. Yoffe. In 1930 A. F. Yoffe and his co-workers started a systematic research of the physics of semiconductors. A. F. Yoffe put forward the supposition that semiconductors could be used for the direct conversion of heat and light into electric power. A new industry – helioengineering – has emerged. Solar batteries are now successfully operating on Soviet sputniks and spaceships.

The most important among the semiconductor devices, the transistor, was invented in 1948. Its invention and continuing development have given tremendous impetus to the expanded use of semiconductors devices of all kings. Semiconductor devices are now widely used in measuring technique, automatics, computers, radio and TV sets, etc.

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