@@ -95,7 +95,8 @@ Here $E_G$ is the band gap, and the top of the valence band is at $E=0$.
Observe that because we are describing particles in the valence band as holes, $m_h > 0$ and $E_h > 0$.
**Question:** a photon gives a single electron enough energy to move from the valence band to the conduction band. How many particles does this process create?
??? question "a photon gives a single electron enough energy to move from the valence band to the conduction band. How many particles does this process create?"
Two: one electron and one hole.
## Semiconductor density of states and Fermi level
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@@ -350,4 +351,4 @@ Conductance combines the contributions of electrons and holes, and allows to det
A $pn$-junction has a **depletion layer** in its middle with the potential in a $pn$-junction having the following shape (where the transition region is made out of two parabolas):