Semiconductors and their electrical conduction

1. Table 1 shows the electron effective mass of some common semiconductors.

Assume that these semiconductors are all intrinsic and electrons and holes in

all semiconductors have the same scattering rate (i.e. To = Th)

a) Which semiconductor will have the highest electrical conductivity?

b) Which semiconductor will have the lowest electrical conductivity?

c) Silicon is widely used in electronic devices. Our smartphones are based

on silicon transistors and the solar cell industry is dominated by silicon.

From your calculations in a) and b), comment on the electrical conductivity

of silicon compared to gallium arsenide under these assumptions. Why

might we use it in devices instead of gallium arsenide?

Hint: Think about the assumptions we have made in the question.