Semiconductors are materials that have electrical conductivity between that of insulators and conductors. They are typically made from crystalline solids such as silicon and germanium and have properties that allow them to conduct electricity under certain conditions. Semiconductors can behave as insulators at low temperatures or when pure, but their conductivity can be significantly enhanced through the addition of impurities, a process known as doping.

This unique property enables semiconductors to control electrical current, making them fundamental to modern electronics. They are essential components in a wide range of devices, including transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits, which are the building blocks of electronic systems. Semiconductors are widely used in computers, smartphones, solar cells, and numerous other applications in various industries. Their ability to switch between conducting and non-conducting states underpins much of today’s technology, contributing to advancements in computing and communications.