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Definition of semiconductor

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Hi! I wonder if the current definition of semiconductor is the best possible. Rather than being defined by being "in-between" conductors and insulator, I think the key property of a semiconductor is that it can be either conductive or insulating depending on several factors (doping, temperature, ...). I like the definition here much better: [1]. I hope some experts can weigh in in the discussion. -- Broc (talk) 10:05, 28 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]

I definitely agree. The definition my advisor used is something like "a normally insulating material that can be doped to usefully control electrical properties" or something like that. Wide bandgap materials like AlN were considered insulators until the technology developed. Their conductivity did not change, therefore it is something else that makes something a semiconductor -- its usefulness. Pikadog (talk) 19:31, 13 February 2024 (UTC)[reply]