ABSTRACT
Semiconductor detectors are, simply stated, solid state ionization chambers. They exploit the unique electrical conductivities of these materials. Generally speaking, we categorize materials as conductors, semiconductors and insulators based on their electrical properties of conductivity or resistivity. Conductivity (σ) and resistivity (ρ) are inversely proportional to each other. We might remember that the resistance of a piece of material is 1Ω if a potential difference of 1 V across it results in a current of 1 A. A good conductor has low resistivity. The modern unit for conductance is Siemen (S) with the definition 1 S = 1/Ω−1. The units for resistivity are Ω·m. The corresponding units for conductivity are S m−1 or (Ω·m)−1.
