n-type versus p-type

[jeheron]

Is there any observable difference between the physical and electrical properties of n-type semiconductor materials and p-type semiconductor materials?

[brockrhodes]

Do you mean in terms of why we dope to make n-type or p-type semiconductors, or trends in the materials themselves based on the type?

[jeheron]

In terms of the proerties of the materials themselves. I am asking the question to better understand each individual kind of semiconductor matieral before moving onto p-n junctions and npn and pnp interfaces.

[Klaynos]

The density of states is different, so this leads to differences in the properties, but I can't really recall what these are right now, and I don't have the time to go check my notes :| But more importantly they both act as increased charge carrier semiconductors...

[BhavinB]

in the Hall experiment, both behave differently.

[theCPE]

N-type (nfets, nmos, etc) utilize electrons as charge carriers.

P-type (pfets, pmos, etc) utilize holes as charge carriers.

 

Holes are not as mobile or effecient at transporting charge and therefore n-type semiconductors are "stronger" or "faster".

 

For example in CMOS, the width of a pfet is always made larger than a corresponding nfet to create equal pull up and pull down strengths.