Why silicon is preferred over germanium explain?

Why silicon is preferred over germanium explain?

At room temperature, Silicon crystal has fewer free electrons than Germanium crystal. However, Silicon crystals are not easily damaged by excess heat. Peak Inverse Voltage ratings of Silicon diodes are greater than Germanium diodes. Si is less expensive due to the greater abundance of element.

Why is silicon preferred to fabricate semiconductors?

Silicon material has been widely used in semiconductor device fabrication because of its low cost and its producibility of high quality silicon dioxide needed for impurity diffusion and surface passivation processes.

Why did Engineers prefer silicon to germanium transistors?

The structure of Germanium crystals will be destroyed at higher temperature. However, Silicon crystals are not easily damaged by excess heat. Peak Inverse Voltage ratings of Silicon diodes are greater than Germanium diodes. Si is less expensive due to the greater abundance of element.

Why Si is a better insulator than GE?

First reason is that Si forms on its surface very easily a thin layer of SiO2 which is a very good insulator and which technologically can be very easily processed. Ge has higher electron and hole mobilities and because of this Ge devices can function up to a higher frequency than Si devices.

Why silicon is used in Zener diode?

A Zener diode is a silicon semiconductor device that permits current to flow in either a forward or reverse direction. Additionally, the voltage drop across the diode remains constant over a wide range of voltages, a feature that makes Zener diodes suitable for use in voltage regulation.

Why germanium is not used in SCR?

Ability to withstand at high temperature: silicon crystals have capability to withstand at higher temperature compare to germanium crystals . So if leakage current is produced in SCR it heats up the device then silicon crystals can withstand but not germanium crystals.

Which is better silicon or germanium?

Why leakage current is more for germanium diode?

In Germanium and Silicon diodes, leakage current is only of few microamperes and nanoamperes, respectively. Germanium is much more susceptible to temperature than silicon. For this reason, mostly Silicon is used in modern semiconductor devices.

What is leakage current in reverse biased?

Reverse leakage current in a semiconductor device is the current from that semiconductor device when the device is reverse biased. Reverse leakage current is also known as “zero gate voltage-drain current” with MOSFETs. The leakage current increased with temperature.

What is breakdown voltage of germanium?

This is why many textbooks simply say the voltage drop across a conducting, semiconductor diode remains constant at 0.7 volts for silicon and 0.3 volts for germanium.

Why is germanium important?

(The name germanium derives from the Latin word Germania [Germany] and was given to the element by Winkler.) Many other substances now also are used as semiconductors, but germanium remains of primary importance in the manufacture of transistors and of components for devices such as rectifiers and photocells.

What are two uses of 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 6 interesting facts about germanium?

Germanium

• Symbol: Ge.
• Atomic Number: 32.
• Atomic Weight: 72.64.
• Classification: Metalloid.
• Phase at Room Temperature: Solid.
• Density: 5.323 grams per cm cubed.
• Melting Point: 938°C, 1720°F.
• Boiling Point: 2833°C, 5131°F.

What are two interesting facts about germanium?

Germanium has five isotopes found in nature. As many as twenty-seven radioisotopes of germanium have been discovered. The half-life of one of its radioactive isotopes is 130 billion times the predicted age of the entire universe. Germanium has been found in the atmosphere of Jupiter and in distant stars.

Does germanium float in water?

Germanium is stable in air and water, and is unaffected by alkalis and acids, except nitric acid. Germanium is an important semiconductor, mainly used in transistors and integrated circuits. They are often made from germanium to which small amounts of arsenic, gallium, or other metals. Germanium forms many compounds.