Difference Between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Semiconductors

Rashmi Karan
Manager - Co ntent

Updated on Nov 21, 2023 10:38 IST

The main difference between intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors is that intrinsic
semiconductors are pure semiconducting materials without any intentional doping,
while extrinsic semiconductors are intentionally doped to modify their electrical
properties. Lets explore some other important differences between these two types
of semiconductors.

A semiconductor is a material with electrical properties between a conductor (like

metal) and an insulator (like rubber or plastic). Semiconductors have a unique ability
to conduct electricity under certain conditions and act as insulators under different
conditions. This property makes them crucial in everything from microchips and
transistors to solar cells and LEDs. There are two main types of semiconductors
– Intrinsic and Extrinsic. This blog will cover the difference between intrinsic and
extrinsic semiconductors.

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Before we dive into the differences between the two types of conductors, let us
understand the basics of intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors.

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What are Intrinsic Semiconductors?

An intrinsic semiconductor is a pure semiconductor material without intentional

doping with other elements. A single type of atom forms it, usually silicon (Se) and
Germanium (Ge).

In intrinsic semiconductors, semiconductor atoms have 4 electrons in their outer

orbit, which they share with adjacent atoms and form 4 covalent bonds. Thus, each
atom has 8 electrons in its outermost shell. This forms a very strong network
between atoms and their electrons.

Fig 1 – The above image shows the structure of an intrinsic semiconductor with all
bonds intact at low temperatures.

Under normal temperature and pressure conditions, an intrinsic semiconductor has

an equal number of free electrons and holes (Holes are the empty spaces left by
electrons excited to a higher energy band). Free electrons are not attached to any

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atom and can move freely through the material.

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Let us understand this with an analogy –

Think of an intrinsic semiconductor like a dough your mother kneaded to make

chapatis for your dinner. It’s neutral and hasn’t been altered. Similarly, intrinsic
semiconductors are pure semiconductor materials without intentional doping.

What are Extrinsic Semiconductors?

An extrinsic semiconductor is the result of introducing atoms of other elements so

that the primitive semiconductor loses its purity and gains in conductivity. This
impurification process is known as “doping”. There are two types of extrinsic
semiconductors depending on the impurity type added.

Coming back to the dough analogy –

Now, imagine adding salt, spices and oil to that dough. This transformed dough can
be used for making dishes other than plain chapatis and represents an extrinsic
semiconductor. The added salt, spices and oil change its properties, just as
intentionally introduced impurities modify extrinsic semiconductors.

P-Type (Posit ive Type) Semiconduct or

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In the P-type semiconductor, trivalent elements with 3 valence electrons are used as
dopants. The most common P-type semiconductors are Boron (B), Indium (In), and
Gallium (Ga). The four covalent bonds we saw in the intrinsic semiconductor cannot
be formed by only contributing three electrons.

So, these trivalent dopants introduce “holes” into the crystal lattice of the
semiconductor material. Because these dopants have one fewer valence electron
than the host semiconductor material, they create regions or holes where there is
effectively a positive charge due to the absence of an electron.

Fig 2 – The figure represents a P-type Extrinsic semiconductor with a trivalent

impurity atom of Boron (B) and a void space formed in the covalent bond with a
neighboring silicon atom. This hole attracts electrons and participates in conduction.

The network these atoms now make presents a series of holes that allow the
movement of electrons more easily, leading to electrical conduction.

Remember – In a p-type extrinsic semiconductor, Number of holes >> Number of free

electrons

N-Type (Negat ive Type) Semiconduct or

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N-type semiconductor uses pentavalent elements as dopants, with five valence
electrons. Phosphorus (P), Arsenic (As) and Antimony are the most commonly used
elements in N-type semiconductors. These dopants introduce extra electrons into
the crystal lattice of the semiconductor material.

Fig 3 – The above image shows the structure of an n-type extrinsic semiconductor.
When a pentavalent atom takes the place of a Si atom, all its four electrons bond
with four neighbouring Si atoms. However, the fifth electron remains loosely bound
to the parent atom.

These extra valence electrons act as majority charge carriers, which means they are
the dominant charge carriers responsible for electric current in the semiconductor
material. Because they have a negative charge, their movement constitutes an
electric current.

Remember – In an n-type extrinsic semiconductor Number of free electrons >>

Number of holes

Dif f erence Between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Semiconductors

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 Intrinsic Semiconductors Extrinsic Semiconductors

No intentional doping with Intentional introduction of impurity

Doping
impurity atoms. atoms through doping.

Doped with specif ic impurity atoms –

T ype of Made of a single type of atom
P-type – T rivalent
Atoms (e.g., Silicon or Germanium).
N-type – Pentavalent

Charge Nearly equal numbers of T he type of doping determines dominant

Carriers electrons and holes. charge carriers.

Conductivity Exhibits both n-type and p-type Exhibits n-type or p-type conductivity
T ype conductivity. based on doping.

Majority
Electrons and holes have Either electrons (n-type) or holes (p-
Charge
similar concentrations. type) can be the majority carriers.
Carriers

Electrical Relatively low electrical Enhanced electrical conductivity due to

Conductivity conductivity. intentional doping.

Energy Valence and conduction bands Energy levels are modif ied, creating a
Levels remain relatively close. wider bandgap (doping).

Bandgap T he bandgap remains relatively Bandgap can be modif ied based on the
Modif ication constant. type and concentration of dopants.

Not commonly used f or Used extensively in electronic devices

Applications
practical devices. like diodes or transistors.

N-type: Phosphorus (P), Antimony (Sb)

Examples Silicon (Si), Germanium (Ge)
P-type: Boron (B), Indium (In)

Understanding the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors is

crucial before you learn the semiconductor materials’ applications. We hope this
blog was helpful.

FAQs

What is the main characteristic of intrinsic semiconductors?

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What is the purpose of doping in extrinsic semiconductors?

How are charge carriers af f ected in extrinsic semiconductors?

Can intrinsic semiconductors conduct electricity?

How does extrinsic doping impact the bandgap of a semiconductor?

Why are extrinsic semiconductors widely used in electronics?

Disclaim e r: This PDF is auto -generated based o n the info rmatio n available o n Shiksha as
o n 22-No v-20 23.