What is k in E-k Diagrams of Semiconductors? (2024)

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In summary, the k in an E-k diagram is related to the momentum of the electron or hole, and changes in k correspond to the physical movement in the semiconductor material. The E-k diagram typically has a parabolic shape that repeats itself with k periodically.

  • #1

sachin123

121
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In the E-k diagrams for a semiconductor material,what exactly is k?
I have read that it is a propagation constant,a wave vector.
But does movement in the semiconductor material represent corresponding changes in k?
I mean to ask if changes in k represent the physical movement in the semiconductor material(from an observer's point of view).

Also does that parabolic shape in E-k diagrams repeat itself with k periodically?
Most of the texts I have seen give only one parabola(though another one for the valence band).

Is it arbitrarily chosen that the top of the valence band has an energy equal to 0?
In Bohr's model we took the energy at an infinite distance from the atom to have an energy equal to 0.

  • #3

trex

6
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you can take any solids and the property of that solid is determined by two qualities, one the energy of the electron, which is dependent on the other quality, momentum, since it is the electron that do all the work, for example electricity, so E is the energy and k, usually denoted as state vector is the momentum of the electron. the formula for k is Planck's constant times p. hopes this clears you doubt

  • #4

Pete99

43
0

As you said, the k in a crystalline solid is a wave vector, much like the wave vector in a propagating electromagnetic wave. In the case of an E-k diagram, k corresponds to the wave vector of the electronic wave function.

You can create a wave-packet by adding a number of waves with different wave vector. In this case, the wave packet will move through the crystal with a velocity given by the group velocity, which is proportional to the slope in the E-k diagram.

  • #5

cbetanco

133
2

k is the wave number, or momentum of the electron/hole. I am assuming you are looking at the digram showing the difference between direct and indirect semiconductors?

Related to What is k in E-k Diagrams of Semiconductors?

1. What is k in E-k Diagrams of Semiconductors?

In E-k diagrams of semiconductors, k represents the momentum of an electron. It is a vector quantity that describes the direction and magnitude of an electron's motion.

2. Why is k important in E-k Diagrams of Semiconductors?

K is important in E-k diagrams of semiconductors because it helps to visualize the energy and momentum of electrons in a semiconductor material. This information is crucial for understanding the electronic properties and behavior of semiconductors.

3. How is k related to the band structure of semiconductors?

K plays a role in determining the band structure of semiconductors. The energy bands in a semiconductor material are formed by the periodic potential of the crystal lattice, and the shape of these bands is determined by the momentum vector k.

4. Can k be measured experimentally in E-k Diagrams of Semiconductors?

Yes, k can be measured experimentally using techniques such as angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) or electron diffraction. These methods allow for the determination of the electron's momentum and its corresponding energy in a semiconductor material.

5. How does temperature affect k in E-k Diagrams of Semiconductors?

At higher temperatures, electrons have more thermal energy and can occupy a wider range of momentum states, resulting in a broadening of the energy bands in the E-k diagram. This means that the value of k may vary slightly with temperature in E-k diagrams of semiconductors.

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                      What is k in E-k Diagrams of Semiconductors? (2024)

                      FAQs

                      What is k in E-k Diagrams of Semiconductors? ›

                      The k in E-k diagram is related to the momentum of the electron or hole

                      hole
                      In physics, chemistry, and electronic engineering, an electron hole (often simply called a hole) is a quasiparticle denoting the lack of an electron at a position where one could exist in an atom or atomic lattice.
                      https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Electron_hole
                      . As you said, the k in a crystalline solid is a wave vector
                      wave vector
                      In physics, a wave vector (or wavevector) is a vector used in describing a wave, with a typical unit being cycle per metre. It has a magnitude and direction.
                      https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Wave_vector
                      , much like the wave vector in a propagating electromagnetic wave.

                      What is k in ek graph? ›

                      The k-space diagram is the relation between particle energy (E) Vs. the momentum wave number (k) which means k is the measure of the momentum of the particle.

                      What is the K value of a semiconductor? ›

                      The active Si (k value 11.8) that is present in the majority of semiconductor structures can be taken as a reference to determine the absolute thickness.

                      What is k-space in semiconductor? ›

                      K-space or k-space can refer to: Another name for the spatial frequency domain of a spatial Fourier transform. Reciprocal space, containing the reciprocal lattice of a spatial lattice. Momentum space, or wavevector space, the vector space of possible values of momentum for a particle.

                      What is K in direct band gap semiconductor? ›

                      From the figure, we can clearly see that the maximum of valence band and minimum of conduction band lie for the same vector which is called the k-vector.

                      What is K in a graph? ›

                      Definitions. A graph (other than a complete graph) has connectivity k if k is the size of the smallest subset of vertices such that the graph becomes disconnected if you delete them.

                      What is K in circuit diagram? ›

                      Designators
                      DesignatorComponent type
                      KRelay or contactor
                      LInductor or coil or ferrite bead
                      LSLoudspeaker or buzzer
                      MMotor
                      43 more rows

                      What does k mean in semiconductor? ›

                      Dielectric constant (k) determines charge storage capacity. Silicon dioxide's low k (around 4) necessitates a thin layer for sufficient capacitance, but this compromises leakage current and reliability. High-k dielectrics (k > 20) like hafnium oxide offer a solution.

                      What does k value mean? ›

                      The K-value is basically a shortened phrase for thermal conductivity, which is the time rate that heat steadily flows through a unit that is induced by the unit temperature in a direction that is perpendicular to the area.

                      What is k constant in semiconductor? ›

                      ConstantSymbolDefinition/Value
                      Boltzmann Constantk1.38066 x 10-23 J/deg K
                      Electron Rest Massme9.11 x 10-31 kg
                      Elementary Chargeq1.60218 x 10-19 C
                      Electron VolteV1.60218 x 10-19 J = 23.053 kcal/mol
                      14 more rows

                      What is the k-vector in semiconductors? ›

                      In solid-state physics, the "wavevector" (also called k-vector) of an electron or hole in a crystal is the wavevector of its quantum-mechanical wavefunction.

                      What is the EK diagram? ›

                      Answer and Explanation: An E-k diagram is a graph that represents some properties of semiconductors, such as the type of bandgap, the energy of the matter, and its momentum. The E of the diagram refers to the electron energy and the k of the diagram refers to the wave vector.

                      Why is k-space important? ›

                      Because every single point in k-space contains imaged data for all pixels in the reconstructed image, this single point makes a large impact. The artifact presents across the entire MR image, as a repeating set of parallel lines at a certain spatial frequency (Fig.

                      What is k in band structure? ›

                      It is convenient when discussing the energy of bands to work in k-space, in which the energy of the crystal orbitals is calculated in relation to a wavevector, k. The periodic nature of a crystal lattice results in discrete energy values that are easily expressed in terms of k.

                      What is the physical significance of k? ›

                      It is a crucial concept in physical chemistry, particularly in the study of chemical reactions. The value of K provides insight into the direction and extent of a reaction. If K is greater than 1, the reaction favours the products, meaning at equilibrium, there are more products than reactants.

                      What is the value of K at the bottom of the conduction band? ›

                      In a semiconductor where the bottom of the conduction band is at k = 0, an electron moves with a wavenumber k = 109 m-1.

                      What is K in electron configuration chart? ›

                      Potassium is an alkali metal having atomic number 19. So, the electronic configuration Potassium is 1 s 2 2 s 2 2 p 6 3 s 2 3 p 6 4 s 1 .

                      What is K in exponential graph? ›

                      k is a constant that represents the growth rate. It is NEGATIVE when talking in terms of exponential DECAY.

                      What is K in sin graph? ›

                      Analyzing Parameter k

                      This is the vertical displacement of the y -intercept (0,0) . It is denoted by the letter k in a sine function in standard form. To determine the value of k , use the maximum and minimum value of the function you are working with.

                      What is K in linear graphs? ›

                      (k = slope of line) Examples. For a zero order reaction, as shown in the following figure, the plot of [A] versus time is a straight line with k = - slope of the line.

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