Explain Atomic structure and Energy Band Diagram of Silicon.

Silicon: It is other most commonly used semiconductor. Atomic number of it is 14. The no. of electrons in first, second and third orbit are 2, 8 and 4. Its atoms are also having four valence electrons and are termed as tetravalent element. The different silicon atoms are held together through covalent bonds. Its atoms are arranged in orderly pattern and make a crystalline structure. The forbidden energy gap in this material is quite small that is 1.1ev. This also requires small amount of energy to lift the electrons by valence to conduction band.

Atomic structure of Silicon                                               Energy Band Diagram of Silicon