Why is silicon the most widely used semiconductor?

The material most frequently used in semiconductors is Silicon (chemical symbol = Si). Each Silicon atom is combined with four neighboring silicon atoms by four bonds. Silicon, a very common element, is used as the raw material of semiconductors because of its stable structure.

Why silicon type transistors are more often used than germanium type?

Silicon as a semiconductor has wider bandgap than germanium and therefore it can be operated at a much higher temperature up to 120 degree centigrade . It interstice concentration is much less than Ge and therefore the reverse saturation current has much less values for Si which means less of currents.

Why silicon diodes are more popular than germanium?

The main reasons for silicon diodes to be preferred over germanium diodes are: Silicon diode is easier to produce than germanium diode due to the widespread availability of silicon. The silicon diode is less sensitive than the germanium diode, hence the operation of silicon diodes is stable with changes in temperature.

Why did silicon transistors replace germanium transistors?

The methods for building transistors improved substantially as the decade went on. Later, Fairchild Semiconductor developed a version which was entirely flat — these were called “planar” transistors. 1958: Germanium transistors broke down at high temperatures, so they were eventually replaced by silicon transistors.

Is germanium a better semiconductor than silicon?

Ge has higher electron and hole mobility and because of this Ge devices can function up to a higher frequency than Si devices. The germanium diode is also superior to silicon diode in terms of energy loss, current loss, etc. The Ge diode loses only 0.3-0.4 a volt while a silicon diode loses about 0.6-0.7 volts.

Why is germanium a good semiconductor?

Germanium atoms have one more shell than silicon atoms, but what makes for the interesting semiconductor properties is the fact that both have four electrons in the valence shell. As a consequence, both materials readily constitute themselves as crystal lattices. Substituted atoms alter the electrical properties.

Why silicon is better semiconductor than germanium?

Why is silicon usually preferred to germanium in the manufacture of semiconductor devices? Silicon is abundant on the earth’s surface and therefore cheaper than germanium. The PIV (Peak Inverse Voltage) rating of silicon is much higher than germanium and therefore can withstand much higher temperatures than germanium.

What are the advantages of germanium?

There have been claims that germanium may be beneficial for health, including improving the immune system, oxygen supply in the body, and destroying free radicals. According to Healthline, germanium has also been considered to be beneficial in treating allergies, asthma, arthritis, HIV/AIDS and various forms of cancer.