Question

An electron is confined to a 1 micron (1.00 x 10^-6m) thin layer of silicon. Assuming that the silicon can be described by a one-dimensional box with infinite potential walls, calculate the lowest possible energy within the material. The effective mass of electrons in silicon is m^* = 2.37 x 10^-31 kg.

Answer 1

Solution:

• Length of the one dimensional box, L = 10-6 m
• The effective mass of electrons in silicon, m* = 2.37 x 10-31 kg

The energy of the eletron confined in infinite walls with length, L is

For minimum energy, n = 1

Em = 1.5 x 10-6 eV

Em = 1.5 eV