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Question #42898

Difficulty: 8/10 | 🟢 Free

The Question

In a non-degenerate n-type semiconductor, the electron mobility μe\mu_e depends on the absolute temperature TT as μe(T)=μ0(T/T0)−α\mu_e(T) = \mu_0 (T/T_0)^{-\alpha}, where μ0\mu_0 and α\alpha are positive constants (α\alpha is dimensionless), and T0T_0 is a reference temperature. The semiconductor is subjected to an electric field with an xx-component EE and maintains a constant electron concentration gradient dndx>0\frac{dn}{dx} > 0 along the xx-axis. The electron concentration at the point of observation is nn. Assume the Einstein relation De=kBTeμeD_e = \frac{k_B T}{e} \mu_e holds valid, where kBk_B is the Boltzmann constant and ee is the elementary charge. If the total electron current density JnJ_n along the xx-axis is independent of small temperature variations around T=T0T = T_0 (i.e., dJndT∣T=T0=0\left. \frac{dJ_n}{dT} \right|_{T=T_0} = 0), what is the required value of EE?

Options

  • A.

    kBT0endndx(1−αα)\frac{k_B T_0}{e n} \frac{dn}{dx} \left( \frac{1-\alpha}{\alpha} \right)

  • B.

    kBT0endndx(1α)\frac{k_B T_0}{e n} \frac{dn}{dx} \left( \frac{1}{\alpha} \right)

  • C.

    −kBT0endndx-\frac{k_B T_0}{e n} \frac{dn}{dx}

  • D.

    kBT0endndx(α−1α)\frac{k_B T_0}{e n} \frac{dn}{dx} \left( \frac{\alpha - 1}{\alpha} \right)

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Correct Answer

Step-by-Step Solution

Explanation

How the Examiner Thinks

Variable_Constraint

Develop pure symbolic logic skills by mastering algebraic constraints without relying on numerical data.

Concepts Behind This Question

Superposition Principle|Drift vs Diffusion Current|Temperature Coefficient (Alpha)

Why This Question Is Tricky

Common Mistakes

This question tests the student's ability to correctly apply the superposition principle to drift and diffusion currents while accounting for non-linear temperature dependencies.

The primary trap lies in the Einstein relation (D=μkBT/eD = \mu k_B T / e).

Students frequently treat the mobility μ\mu as a constant when differentiating the diffusion term (Option B), or they forget the explicit linear TT dependence of the diffusion coefficient (Option C), leading to an incorrect temperature derivative.

By forcing the evaluation of dJ/dT=0dJ/dT = 0 rather than the standard equilibrium J=0J=0, the problem exposes the conflation of temperature-dependent mobility with the thermodynamic origin of diffusion, requiring a rigorous application of the product rule to the coupled variables.

Option D catches a sign error in the standard drift-diffusion superposition.

Quick Facts About This Question

Question Information

SubjectPhysics
ChapterElectric Charges and Fields - Class 12
ConceptSuperposition Principle
Difficulty8
Cognitive Load7
Target Solve Time160 sec
AccessFree