Semiconductors

If you’re reading this article from a computer or smartphone (and you most certainly are) then you should probably take a moment and thank the Universe for the existence of semiconductors. First envisioned in the 19^th century and developed throughout the 20^th, this technology is fundamental to the existence of the computer and most of today’s advanced electronic devices.

If you’re fascinated with the way these materials work and how they can be used to create various electronic components, then you might also be curious about an application called (what else but) Semiconductors.

Animated using Java, this simple program is an educational application designed to help physics teachers worldwide. If you have no prior knowledge of semiconductors, you probably won’t learn much from using this app by yourself. But paired with a good teacher, Semiconductors could be used to make an arguably boring physics class more interesting.

I’ll be the first to admit that physics isn’t my strength, but I’ll do my best to describe what goes on in the application’s interface. Now, semiconductors are basically materials that have the properties of both conductors and insulators; this gives electrical engineers very precise control over the current flowing through a system.

In order to give materials such as silicone their conductive properties, some other elements are added in order to change the atomic configuration of the original element. This process is called “doping”, while the impurities added are called “dopants”, which can be either n-type or p-type.

In this simulation, you get to add dopants to the semiconductors, adjust the voltage and watch how electrons behave in what is essentially a diode. Unfortunately, this is as far as my knowledge allows me to go with the explanation, but I’m sure that a physics teacher could do way better with Semiconductors.