Superconductors vs. Semiconductors: Definitions and Properties Explained

In the realm of modern manufacturing, the terms "superconductors" and "semiconductors" frequently surface in discussions about electronic devices and advanced materials. Both types of materials play crucial roles in technology, yet they exhibit markedly different properties and applications. Understanding these variations can provide insights into their respective roles in technological advancements, so read on as we discuss the properties and uses of semiconductors and superconductors.

To begin, semiconductors are materials with electrical conductivity that falls between that of conductors and insulators. Their defining feature is their ability to conduct electricity under certain conditions while acting as an insulator under others, which is primarily due to the band structure of such materials. This is because of the relatively small gap between the balance and conduction band, the former being filled with electrons and the latter being where they are free moving. As a result, semiconductors can conduct electricity when energy is induced at a specific threshold that is based on the material in question. Common examples of semiconductor materials include silicon and germanium, which are widely used in electronic devices.

The properties of semiconductors are highly dependent on doping, a process where small amounts of additional elements are added to the material to alter electrical properties. For instance, adding phosphorus to silicon creates an n-type semiconductor, which has excess electrons, while adding boron results in a p-type semiconductor, which has electron deficiencies or "holes." This ability to control electrical conductivity through doping makes semiconductors indispensable in the creation of transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits, which form the backbone of modern electronics and computer systems.

In contrast, superconductors are materials that exhibit zero electrical resistance below a certain temperature. The critical temperature at which a material becomes superconductive will vary depending on the substance in question. For example, elemental superconductors like lead exhibit relatively low critical temperatures at around 7.2 Kelvin, whereas high-temperature superconductors like yttrium barium copper oxide (YBCO) can function at higher temperatures of approximately 93 Kelvin. This remarkable property of achieving zero resistance means that electrical current can flow through a superconducting material indefinitely without losing energy as heat. Superconductors also exhibit the Meissner effect, where they expel magnetic fields from their interior, allowing them to levitate above magnets or cause magnetic flux lines to be expelled from the material.

The unique properties of superconductors open up a range of applications that are not feasible with conventional materials. In particular, these materials are used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, which rely on powerful superconducting magnets to produce detailed images of the inside of human bodies. Additionally, they are integral to the operation of magnetic levitation (maglev) trains, which use magnetic fields to levitate and travel at incredibly high speeds with minimal friction.

When comparing semiconductors and superconductors, several key differences stand out. Semiconductors have variable electrical resistance that can be controlled through doping and temperature adjustments, making them versatile for use in electronic circuits and devices. However, their performance is influenced by external factors like temperature and the presence of impurities, which can affect their conductivity. Superconductors, on the other hand, offer no electrical resistance and perfect diamagnetism below their critical temperatures, which are properties that cannot be achieved by semiconductors. This makes them ideal for applications requiring high-efficiency electrical transmission and powerful magnetic fields. Despite this very advantageous characteristic, such materials also require cooling to extremely low temperatures to achieve zero resistance, which can be costly and complex.

Here at Stacked Electromechanicals, we can help you secure competitive procurement options on all the semiconductors and superconductors you need. Browse our selection of over 2 billion in-stock items at your leisure, which you can do through either our curated catalogs or robust search engine. As you locate items of interest, you can easily request quotes with the RFQ forms linked across our website. Upon submitting a form with pertinent details about your requirements and restrictions alike, one of our experts will respond with tailored quotes for your consideration within 15 minutes of our receipt and review. If you would like to learn more about our diverse services or parts, get in touch with our team at your earliest convenience; we are available around the clock and would be happy to assist at any point in the procurement process.