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The document discusses the interaction of semiconductors with light, focusing on three main processes: absorption, emission, and scattering. It details the mechanisms and types of each process, including factors that affect them, and highlights their applications in devices like solar cells, LEDs, and photodetectors. Additionally, it explains how these processes impact the optical properties of semiconductors.

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17 views9 pages

Group 1 Presentation

The document discusses the interaction of semiconductors with light, focusing on three main processes: absorption, emission, and scattering. It details the mechanisms and types of each process, including factors that affect them, and highlights their applications in devices like solar cells, LEDs, and photodetectors. Additionally, it explains how these processes impact the optical properties of semiconductors.

Uploaded by

anashemasese11
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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processes in semi

conductors
INTRODUCTION

 Semiconductors interact with light in various ways, leading to absorption,


emission, and scattering.

1. ABSORPTION
 Absorption occurs when a photon interacts with a semiconductor material,
exciting an electron from the valence band to the conduction band.
 This process generates electron-hole pairs. It is also possible for an electron and
a hole to recombine and emit light.
 The interaction between light (photons) and electrons in a variety of
phenomena. These are used in the field of opto electronics.
 (Fig.4.1)
 It shows the photon absorption process, a photon scatters an electron in the valence band.
 Thus, electron jumps to the conduction band and leaving a hole in valence band.
Types of absorption

 Interband Absorption:This is when a photon excites an electron from the valence band to the
conduction band.

 Free Carrier Absorption: This is when a photon interacts with a free electron or hole, exciting it to a
higher energy state.

 Phonon-Assisted Absorption: This is when a photon interacts with a phonon (quantized lattice
vibration), assisting the absorption process.

Factors Affecting Absorption

 Photon Energy: Absorption occurs when the photon energy matches or exceeds the bandgap energy.

 Temperature: Increased temperature can broaden the absorption spectrum due to phonon-assisted
absorption.
2. EMISSION

 It is the release of energy by electrons as they transition from a higher energy state to a lower
energy state.

(Fig.4.1)
 It shows the electron in the conduction band recombining with a hole in the valence band to
generate a photon.
 This is like the reverse process of absorption.
Types of Emission

 Spontaneous Emission : This is when an excited electron in the conduction band relaxes back to
lower enegy state (valence band ) without external stimulation and this emits a photon and occurs
randomly .It happens in LEDs .
 Stimulated Emission : This is when an incoming photon can stimulate an excited electron to
transition to lower energy state resulting in the emission of a second photon that is coherent with
the first one .This is used in laser operations when amplifying light.
 Radiative Recombination : Occurs when an electron recombines with a hole, releasing energy in the
form of a photon

Factors Affecting Emission

 Electron-Hole Concentration: Increased electron-hole concentration can enhance emission.

 Temperature: Increased temperature can broaden the emission spectrum due to phonon-assisted
emission.

 Doping: Doping can alter the emission spectrum by introducing additional energy states.
3. SCATTERING

 It is the interaction of photons with charge carriers (electrons and holes) in the
semiconductor,causing the light to change direction without a significant loss of
energy

Types of Scattering

 Elastic Scattering : Involves a change in the direction of the incident light without a change in energy.
 Common types include Rayleigh scattering and Mie scattering.

 Inelastic Scattering : Involves a change in the energy of the photons, often due to interactions with
lattice vibrations or other charge carriers.
 A common type is Raman scattering, where the energy of the scattered light is shifted due to phonon
interactions.
Mechanisms of Scattering

 Carrier-Carrier Scattering : Occurs when charge carriers collide with each other, affecting their
momentum and energy.
 This process can lead to thermalization of the carriers and is important in high-density conditions.

 Carrier-Phonon Scattering : Involves interactions between charge carriers and lattice vibrations
(phonons).
 This is crucial for understanding how carriers lose energy and how thermal effects influence the
optical properties.

 Impurity Scattering : Occurs when carriers interact with impurities or defects in the semiconductor
lattice.
 This can affect the mobility of carriers and impact the absorption and emission characteristics.
Impact on Optical Properties

 Absorption: Scattering can enhance or diminish the absorption of light in a semiconductor,


depending on the energy levels and the scattering mechanisms involved.

 Photoluminescence : Scattering influences the efficiency of light emission processes, such as


photoluminescence, where absorbed photons are re-emitted.

 Nonlinear Optical Effects : In strong electric fields or high-intensity light, scattering can lead to
nonlinear effects, influencing device performance in applications such as lasers and modulators.

Applications

 Solar Cells : To improve light absorption.


 LEDs and Laser Diodes : To enhance emission efficiency.
 Photodetectors : To optimize sensitivity and response time.
Examples of Optical Processes in Semiconductors:
 LEDs: Emit light when current flows, exploiting spontaneous emission. The type of semiconductor
and doping determine the color of light emitted.

 Laser Diodes: Utilize stimulated emission to produce coherent light. They require a pumping
mechanism to maintain population inversion.

 Photovoltaic Cells: Convert sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. Common
materials include silicon (Si), cadmium telluride (CdTe), and gallium arsenide (GaAs).

 Photodetectors: Detect light intensity and convert it into an electrical signal based on
photoconductivity or photovoltaic effects.

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