Conduction band

(solid-state physics) An energy band in which electrons can move freely in a solid, producing net transport of charge.

The electronic energy band of a crystalline solid which is partially occupied by electrons. The electrons in this energy band can increase their energies by going to higher energy levels within the band when an electric field is applied to accelerate them or when the temperature of the crystal is raised. These electrons are called conduction electrons, as distinct from the electrons in filled energy bands, which, as a whole, do not contribute to electrical and thermal conduction. In metallic conductors the conduction electrons correspond to the valence electrons (or a portion of the valence electrons) of the constituent atoms. In semiconductors and insulators at sufficiently low temperatures, the conduction band is empty of electrons. Conduction electrons come from thermal excitation of electrons from a lower energy band or from impurity atoms in the crystal. See also Band theory of solids; Electric insulator; Semiconductor; Valence band.

In the physics field of semiconductors and insulators, the conduction band is the range of electron energy, higher than that of the valence band, sufficient to make the electrons free to accelerate under the influence of an applied electric field and thus constitute an electric current. Semiconductors may cross this conduction band when they are excited.

Semiconductor band structure
See electrical conduction and semiconductor for a more detailed description of band structure.

See also

• Semiconductor for a full explanation of the band structure of materials.
• Electrical conduction for more information about conduction in solids, and another description of band structure.
• Valence band
• Band Theory
• Fermi sea

References

•  This article incorporates public domain material from the General Services Administration document "Federal Standard 1037C".

External links

• Direct Band Gap Energy Calculator

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