Fundamentals & Materials

A semiconductor is a material whose electrical conductivity lies between that of conductors and insulators. It can conduct electricity well under certain conditions, such as temperature, light, or doping. This makes it ideal for electronics because its state can be controlled precisely. The most important semiconductor is silicon.

Conductors such as copper let electricity flow very easily because many free electrons are available. Insulators such as glass or plastic block electricity almost completely. Semiconductors are in between: they can conduct or block depending on conditions. This controllable conductivity makes semiconductors especially valuable for electronic components and computer chips.