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SemiconductorStudies.

1833 - First Semiconductor Effect is Recorded

Michael Faraday describes the "extraordinary case" of his discovery of electrical conduction increasing with temperature in silver sulfide crystals. This is the opposite to that observed in copper and other metals.

English "natural philosopher" (the contemporary term for physicist) Michael Faraday is renowned for his discovery of the principles of electro-magnetic induction and electro-magnetic rotation, the interaction between electricity and magnetism that led to the development of the electric motor and generator. The unit of measurement of electrical capacitance – the farad (F) - is named in his honor.

Faraday’s experimental work in chemistry, which included the discovery of benzene, also led him to the first documented observation of a material that we now call a semiconductor. While investigating the effect of temperature on "sulphurette of silver" (silver sulfide) in 1833 he found that electrical conductivity increased with increasing temperature. This effect, typical of semiconductors, is the opposite of that measured in metals such as copper, where conductivity decreases as temperature is increased.

In a chapter entitled "On Conducting Power Generally" in his book Experimental Researches in Electricity Faraday writes "I have lately met with an extraordinary case … which is in direct contrast with the influence of heat upon metallic bodies … On applying a lamp … the conducting power rose rapidly with the heat … On removing the lamp and allowing the heat to fall, the effects were reversed."

We now understand that raising the temperature of most semiconductors increases the density of charge carriers inside them and hence their conductivity. This effect is used to make thermistors – special resistors that exhibit a decrease in electrical resistance (or an increase in conductivity) with an increase in temperature.