In semiconductor physics, a direct bandgap means that the conduction band lies directly above the valence band, in momentum space (see E-k plots). A semiconductor with a direct bandgap can be used to emit light. Indirect bandgap semiconductors such as crystalline silicon cannot do so efficiently.
The prime example of a direct bandgap semiconductor is gallium arsenide - a material commonly used in laser diodes.
See indirect bandgap for an explanation of the connection between bandgap offset and light Direct bandgap emission.
Electronics Topics
The field of electronics is the study and use of systems that operate by controlling the flow of electrons or other electrically charged particles in devices such as thermionic valves and semiconductors. The design and construction of electronic circuits to solve practical problems is part of the fields of electronic engineering, and the hardware design side of computer engineering. The study of new semiconductor devices and their technology is sometimes considered as a branch of physics.
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