Solid state electronics arises from the unique properties of silicon and germanium, each of which has four valence electrons and which form crystal lattices in which substituted atoms (dopants) can dramatically change the electrical properties.
Why are silicon and germanium the most frequently used?
Silicon and germanium are used here effectively because they have 4 valence electrons in their outermost shell , which gives them the ability to gain or lose electrons equally at the same time.
What is the use of silicon and germanium?
Silicon-germanium is an important material that is used for the fabrication of SiGe heterojunction bipolar transistors and strained Si metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistors for advanced complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) and BiCMOS (bipolar CMOS) technologies.
What is the use of germanium?
Germanium is used to manufacture rectifiers, transistors and weapons-sighting systems and used as a fluorescent material. Alloying agent. Germanium can also be used as a catalyst to produce plastics.
Why is silicon useful?
Silicon is one of the most useful elements to mankind. Most is used to make alloys including aluminium-silicon and ferro-silicon (iron-silicon). These are used to make dynamo and transformer plates, engine blocks, cylinder heads and machine tools and to deoxidise steel. Silicon is also used to make silicones.
Which is better silicon or germanium?
In present, Silicon is preferred over Germanium for semiconductor . The reason is, Silicon can be worked at a higher temperature as compared to germanium. ... The structure of Germanium crystals will be destroyed at higher temperature.
What is the difference between silicon and germanium?
Silicon is a chemical element with atomic number 14 and chemical symbol Si while germanium is a chemical element with atomic number 32 and chemical symbol is Ge. The key difference between silicon and germanium is that Germanium has d electrons , but Silicon does not have any d electrons.
What do silicon and germanium have in common?
Since they are in the same column, we know that silicon and germanium have the same number of electrons in their outer or valence shell . Germanium atoms have one more shell than silicon atoms, but what makes for the interesting semiconductor properties is the fact that both have four electrons in the valence shell.
What is the value of silicon and germanium?
For silicon the threshold voltage is about 0.7V and for germanium it is about 0.3V .
Is germanium safe to wear?
Inorganic (elemental) germanium is LIKELY UNSAFE . This includes certain compounds such as germanium oxide. There have been more than 30 reports of kidney failure and death linked with use of these forms of germanium. It builds up in the body and can damage vital organs such as the kidneys.
Is germanium harmful to humans?
Germanium is not an essential element. Its acute toxicity is low . However, at least 31 reported human cases linked prolonged intake of germanium products with renal failure and even death. Signs of kidney dysfunction, kidney tubular degeneration, and germanium accumulation were observed.
Who uses germanium?
The largest use of germanium is in the semiconductor industry . When doped with small amounts of arsenic, gallium, indium, antimony or phosphorus, germanium is used to make transistors for use in electronic devices. Germanium is also used to create alloys and as a phosphor in fluorescent lamps.
What are 3 uses of silicon?
- The element is a major constituent in ceramics and bricks.
- Being a semiconductor, the element is put into use for making transistors.
- Silicon is widely used in computer chips and solar cells.
- It is a vital component of Portland cement.
- Silicon is used in the production of fire bricks.
What are 3 interesting facts about silicon?
- 1) Silicon gets its name from the Latin “silex,” meaning flint or hard stone. ...
- 2) Contrary to what some may think, silicon and silicone are quite different. ...
- 3) Pure silicon has the same crystal structure as diamond, which is made of carbon – the element that sits above silicon in the periodic table.
How is silicon used in everyday life?
Silicon is one of man's most useful elements. In the form of sand and clay it is used to make concrete and brick ; it is a useful refractory material for high-temperature work, and in the form of silicates it is used in making enamels, pottery, etc. ... Silicon tetrachloride can be used as iridize glass.
