Gap semicondutor (silício)
- Created by
- Renato Passos, Eng. de Software
- Reviewed by
- Renato Passos, Eng. de Software
Last updated: Apr 18, 2026
About this calculator
The semiconductor gap calculator (silicon) provides the band gap energy (Eg) of silicon at different temperatures. The standard value is Eg ≈ 1.12 eV at 300 K (room temperature). The band gap is the minimum energy required to excite an electron from the valence band to the conduction band, enabling electrical conductivity.
The calculator uses physical models, such as the Varshni equation, to estimate Eg at varying temperatures. The formula accounts for the decrease in band gap with rising temperature, a common semiconductor behavior. This is critical for electronic device design under diverse operating conditions.
It is widely used in electronics engineering, materials science, and academia. For example, when designing transistors or solar cells, knowing the material's Eg is essential. Caution: results apply to temperatures near 300 K and assume ideal silicon properties.
For temperatures outside the standard range (0, 600 K), consult technical literature. The calculator's accuracy depends on the validity of the applied physical model and the actual material conditions being analyzed.
Frequently asked questions
What is a semiconductor's band gap?
It is the minimum energy required to excite an electron from the valence band to the conduction band, enabling electrical conductivity. In silicon, this value varies with temperature.
Why does silicon's band gap decrease with temperature?
Higher temperatures increase atomic vibrations in the crystal lattice, reducing the energy needed to excite electrons. This is modeled by equations like Varshni's.
What are Eg values at different temperatures used for?
They are used in designing electronic devices operating in variable thermal environments, such as transistors and sensors.
Can it calculate other semiconductors?
No, this calculator is specific to silicon. Other materials (like germanium or gallium arsenide) have different band gaps and models.
How accurate is the formula used?
Accuracy depends on the physical model (e.g., Varshni) and temperature range. The model may not be valid beyond 600 K.