Doping materials: Which option correctly names a type of doping material used to alter a semiconductor’s electrical properties?

Introduction / Context:
Doping is the intentional introduction of impurities to control conductivity. The ”material” used for doping is the dopant species itself, typically trivalent or pentavalent atoms relative to the host lattice. Distinguishing dopants from results (n-type, p-type) prevents semantic errors in device discussions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We seek the name of a doping material, not the name of the resulting semiconductor type.
• Pentavalent (Group V) species act as donors; trivalent (Group III) act as acceptors.
• Examples: As, P, Sb (donors); B, Ga, In (acceptors).

Concept / Approach:
A ”doping material” is the atom or compound introduced to change carrier concentration. Calling the end product ”n-type semiconductor” describes the doped material, not the dopant. ”Extrinsic semiconductor” also describes the outcome. ”Majority carriers” are electrons or holes present after doping, again not a dopant type.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Process flows specify ”donor implant with As” or ”acceptor implant with B,” confirming the terminology refers to the dopant itself, not the final semiconductor classification.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Extrinsic semiconductor: Outcome after doping, not the dopant.
• n-type semiconductor: Resulting material type, not the dopant.
• Majority carriers: Electrons or holes created/augmented by doping, not a material you add.

Common Pitfalls:
Using ”n-type” to refer to the dopant; the dopant is ”donor” (pentavalent), and the material becomes ”n-type.”

Final Answer:
pentavalent material