An intrinsic semiconductor is a pure semiconductor material with no intentional doping, meaning it contains no added impurities. In its pure form, it has an equal number of electrons and holes, which are charge carriers responsible for conducting electricity. At absolute zero temperature (0 Kelvin), the intrinsic semiconductor behaves as an insulator, with no free charge carriers.
However, as the temperature increases, some electrons gain enough energy to break free from their covalent bonds, creating electron-hole pairs. These electron-hole pairs are responsible for the intrinsic semiconductor’s limited conductivity at higher temperatures.
In summary, the intrinsic semiconductor demonstrates limited conductivity at higher temperatures due to the presence of thermally generated electron-hole pairs. It serves as the basis for understanding the behavior of doped (extrinsic) semiconductors used in various electronic devices.
Also Read:
- N Type Semiconductor
- P Type Semiconductor
- Extrinsic Semiconductor
- Difference Between Donor and Acceptor Impurities
- Difference Between p-Type and n-Type Semiconductor
- Difference Between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Semiconductor