n-type semiconductor
- noun
- /ɛn taɪp ˌsɛmkəmˈdʌktər/
- Specialized
:
semiconductor tipo n
- A silicon chip can be doped with phosphorus to create an n-type semiconductor, where electrons are the main charge carriers.
Examples
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The engineer explained that an n-type semiconductor has more electrons than holes, which enhances its conductivity.
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This changes those regions to an N type semiconductor, which become the final two terminals of the MOSFET called the source and the drain.
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In electronic devices, n-type semiconductors are often used because they allow for easier flow of electricity.
Surface Forms
Morphology
n-type + semiconductor
The phrase is compositionally a ‘type’ of ‘semiconductor’, so at a basic level learners can tell it denotes a particular kind of semiconductor. However, the crucial meaning of the letter ‘n’ (that the material is doped so electrons are the primary charge carriers) is a technical convention not recoverable from knowing the common words alone and requires domain knowledge, so the overall transparency is only partial.
Etymology
N-type semiconductor comes from making a semiconductor with extra electrons by adding a small amount of another material; the n stands for 'negative' because electrons have a negative charge. That's why an n-type semiconductor means a material where electrons are the main carriers of electric current.
