History of semiconductors

Introduction

Semiconductors have been very instrumental in the world today, thanks to the many inventors in

the technology. They have greatly improved the ease and the speed in which communication can

take place through sending of data within the shortest time possible. Semiconductors have a very

deep history, which we are going to summarize below.

Rectification

Karl Ferdinand first investigated rectification effects in 1874 in metal sulfides. This discovery

was not appreciated immediately though it played a very vital role in radar systems invention as

well as radio detection.

Photovoltaic

The discovery of photovoltaic effect at the junction between the electrolyte and the

semiconductor by Alexander Becquerel was very instrumental in the evolution of semiconductor

devices. Willoughby Smith later discovered the aspect of photoconductivity in solids in the year

1873. The discovery by Smith showed that there was dramatic resistance decrease of selenium

resistors caused by light effects.

Point-Contact Rectifier

J.C. Bose investigated the discovery of point-contact rectifier. In his experiments in 1904, Bose

found out that the detection of radio waves was made possible by the use of point contact

rectifiers made of silicon. In the Second World War, the rectifiers made of silicon and selenium

was greatly used in military communication.

The p-n Junction