hálfleiðara

Hálfleiðari is the Icelandic word for semiconductor. Semiconductors are materials that have electrical conductivity between that of a conductor, like copper, and an insulator, like glass. This unique property makes them essential components in modern electronics.

The electrical behavior of semiconductors can be manipulated by introducing impurities, a process called doping. Doping can increase or decrease the number of free charge carriers (electrons or "holes"), thus altering the material's conductivity. Common semiconductor materials include silicon and germanium.

The ability to control the flow of electricity in semiconductors is fundamental to the operation of transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits (chips). These components form the building blocks of virtually all electronic devices, from simple calculators to complex computers and smartphones. The development and understanding of semiconductor physics have revolutionized technology and continue to drive innovation.