
silicon semiconductors
Silicon semiconductors are materials used to make electronic components like computer chips. Silicon is a semiconductor because it can conduct electricity under certain conditions but not others. This property allows it to control electrical current precisely, making it essential for switches, transistors, and integrated circuits in electronic devices. Typically, silicon crystals are doped—that is, tiny amounts of other elements are added—to enhance their conductive properties. This ability to manipulate silicon’s conductivity is fundamental to modern electronics, enabling everything from smartphones to computers to function efficiently and reliably.