elektroniholeja

Elektroniholeja, often referred to as electron holes or simply holes, are a concept crucial to understanding semiconductor physics. They represent the absence of an electron in a normally occupied state within a crystal lattice. Instead of a physical particle, a hole is a quasi-particle, a convenient way to describe the collective behavior of electrons in a solid.

When an electron is excited from its bound state in a semiconductor's valence band to a higher energy level, it leaves behind an empty state. This empty state behaves as if it were positively charged and mobile. An adjacent electron can then move into this empty state, effectively causing the hole to "move" in the opposite direction of the electron's movement. This movement of holes constitutes an electric current, just as the movement of electrons does.

Holes are fundamental to the operation of p-type semiconductors. In these materials, impurities with fewer valence electrons than the semiconductor atoms (like boron in silicon) are introduced. These impurities create an excess of vacancies or holes, which can readily accept electrons from the semiconductor lattice, thus facilitating the flow of positive charge carriers. The concept of holes simplifies the analysis of charge transport in semiconductors, allowing for a clearer understanding of their electrical properties and applications in devices like diodes and transistors.