Difference between Superconductor and Semiconductor: Definition & Properties

Semiconductors and superconductors are two vital materials that are of great importance to the electronics and electrical engineering industries. Though both are essential to the advancement of technology, they are extremely different when it comes to their properties. 

In this in-depth article, we explain the meanings, characteristics, and conductor and semiconductor differences.

Semiconductors: Definition & Properties

Semiconductors are materials whose electrical conduction lies right between insulators and conductors. Impurities can also be added to change their conductivity.

N-type Semiconductors

Silicon, for example, is a pure semiconductor, but when a pentavalent element such as Arsenic is added, it creates an N-type semiconductor. Free electrons are released through this process, raising the conductivity. Of particular interest is the fact that N-type semiconductors 'conductivity increases with temperature.

P-type Semiconductors

On the other hand, P-type semiconductors involve doping a pure semiconductor (e.g. Germanium) with elements such as Aluminium. This results in positively charged holes in the material, which in turn increases electrical conductivity. Likewise, the degree of conductivity of P-type semiconductors varies with temperature.

Properties of Semiconductors

• Intermediate Conductivity: Semiconductors conduct electricity to a degree intermediate between insulators and conductors.
• Temperature Dependence: The resistance of semiconductors has a negative temperature coefficient, increasing with temperature.
• Zero Kelvin Behaviour: Semiconductors are insulators at absolute zero, turning into conductors as the temperature rises.
• Doping Influence: Impurities added to the semiconductors have a big influence on electrical conductivity.

Superconductors: Definition & Properties

Superconductors are materials that, at a defined temperature, become able to conduct electricity without resistance. After reaching a critical temperature, the resistance of superconductors goes to zero, making it possible to achieve unprecedented conductivity.

Type I Superconductors

Type I superconductors permit a limited amount of current to flow at normal temperature but become perfectly permitted to flow at the critical temperature because their resistivity is zero.

Type II Superconductors

On the other hand, Type Ⅱ superconductors are not ordinary conducting materials. But at the critical temperature, they become superconductors, allowing infinite current.

Properties of Superconductors

• Critical Temperature: The critical temperature is simply the temperature where the material undergoes the transition from conductor to superconductor.
• Zero Electric Resistance: These materials display zero resistance in the superconducting state, which permits unfettered current flow.
• Expulsion of Magnetic Field: Below the critical temperature, superconductors cannot be penetrated by magnetic fields, which is known as the Meissner effect.
• Critical Magnetic Field: The critical magnetic field is defined as the maximum that a superconductor will withstand before reverting back to a conductor.

What are the main differences between conductors and semiconductors?

Some points regarding superconductor vs semiconductor are as follows: 

1. Current Handling Capacity

Semiconductors: Let limited current flow through the impurities (doping).

Superconductors: Allow the current to flow unlimitedly at a set temperature without resistance.

2. Electric Conductivity

Semiconductors: They possess comparatively lower conductivity than conductors.

Superconductors: Have much more conductivity than conductors because they have no resistance.

3. Factors Affecting Electrical Conductivity

Semiconductors: The number of added doping impurities determines their conductivity.

Superconductors: The temperature at which the material is utilised will effect its conductivity.

4. Range of Conductance

Semiconductors: It is one step removed from both insulators and conductors.

Superconductors: Have a higher conductivity than conductors.

5. Conductivity at Room Temperature

Semiconductors: It can conduct electricity at normal room temperatures.

Superconductors: At room temperature, type I superconductors have extremely low conductivity.

6. Energy Consumption

Semiconductors: Involve intermediate energy consumption.

Superconductors: Exhibit negligible energy consumption.

7. Examples

Semiconductors: Typical examples are pure atomic elements such as Silicon and Germanium.

Superconductors: Aluminum, Mercury, niobium, barium copper oxide, etc.

Understanding the Distinctions Between Semiconductors and Superconductors: Common Errors and Tips

1. Using the Terms Interchangeably

A common misusage is the use of the terms semiconductor and superconductor interchangeably. Although both make electrical conduction possible, their functions are vastly different. Sitting between the extremes of conductors and insulators, semiconductors are highly prized for their conductivity properties, which make it possible to build electronic devices such as transistors, diodes and integrated circuits. Those with an intermediate level of conductivity allow fine control of an electrical signal, and can be used as the foundations for the electronics of today.

In fact, superconductors have a very special characteristic--they completely lose electrical resistance when they hit critical temperatures. This extraordinary property makes superconductors particularly useful in energy-consuming applications such as high-speed trains or MRI machines. The problems arise when these two terms are mixed up. Semiconductors are indispensable for electronic applications, while superconductors are gold in settings requiring extremely low electrical resistance.

Read Also: Type of Electric Cables & Conductors With Application

2. Treating All Conductive Materials as Semiconductors

A second common misunderstanding is that all materials that are good conductors are semiconductors. However, semiconductors really are, as their name implies, semiconductive. Metals are not ideal for semiconductors, with excellent conductivity. Because metals have high conductivity and low resistance, they are well-suited for other electrical parts like wires. Yet, metals are not like semiconductors, which possess several unique properties, such as the ability to alternately be conducting or non-conducting. 

3. Not Understanding Superconductors

The third mistake is a loss of familiarity with superconductor traits. Despite these awesome features, a thorough expertise of superconductors is also had to keep away from misunderstanding. Top-notch residences, along with zero electric resistance and the capacity to dam magnetic fields, are characteristics of superconductors. But the next element to take into account is their boundaries. Most importantly, superconductors require cooling to low temperatures, a costly and regularly impractical necessity. In addition, these materials can only help a small amount of present-day before dropping their superconductive characteristics.

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

• Thorough Learning: To keep away from those misconceptions, take some time to familiarise yourself with the differences between semiconductors and superconductors completely. It includes examining their functions, makes use of, and regulations.
• Precision in Terminology: Maintain precision in language usage. Remember not to apply the terms semiconductor and superconductor interchangeably due to the fact every displays a set of homes and programs.
• Acknowledge Material Diversity: Realise that no longer every kind of conductor is a semiconductor. Take metals, for instance. Apart from having particular functions, metals have their own attributes, which can be very useful in lots of other fields.

Conclusion

Superconductors and semiconductors represent different things in the realm of physics. For their diverse properties, they are used in various technological applications, from quantum computing to electronic devices. 

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