Why Silicon Is Preferred Over Germanium In Manufacture Of Semiconductor Devices

by

Why Silicon is Preferred Over Germanium in Semiconductor Devices

Silicon is the most common semiconductor material used in the manufacture of semiconductor devices, such as transistors and integrated circuits (ICs). Germanium was the first semiconductor material used, but it has been largely replaced by silicon due to several advantages that silicon offers.

Advantages of Silicon Over Germanium

  • Higher Abundance: Silicon is the second most abundant element in the Earth’s crust, after oxygen. Germanium is much less common, making it more expensive to obtain.
  • Lower Cost: Silicon is less expensive to extract and process than germanium, making it more cost-effective for use in manufacturing.
  • Better Thermal Stability: Silicon has a higher melting point than germanium, making it more resistant to heat damage during fabrication and operation.
  • More Mature Fabrication Processes: Silicon has been used in semiconductor manufacturing for decades, and the fabrication processes are well-established and mature. This results in higher yields and lower production costs.

Disadvantages of Germanium Over Silicon

  • Lower Mobility: Germanium has a lower electron and hole mobility than silicon, which means that it is less efficient at conducting electrical current.
  • Higher Leakage Current: Germanium has a higher leakage current than silicon, which can lead to power loss and device degradation.
  • Higher Sensitivity to Impurities: Germanium is more sensitive to impurities than silicon, which can affect its electrical properties.

Conclusion

Overall, silicon offers several advantages over germanium for use in semiconductor devices, including higher abundance, lower cost, better thermal stability, and more mature fabrication processes. These advantages have made silicon the preferred semiconductor material for the vast majority of electronic devices.

Also Read: When To Use Haakaa

Recommend: Is Red Kiwi Sweet

Related Posts: How Long To Bake Pork Ribs At 425

Also Read: Where To Buy Internet Computer Coin

Recommend: How Much Blown In Insulation Do I Need

Leave a comment