Re: Holes

[Stefan Jeglinski <jeglin@4PI.COM>]

>  > >How does a hole differ from a positron?  Would they act electrically the
>  > >same in a s/c?


Among many other differences, a s/c hole is not really a single
"entity." Although often described as a missing electron, it is
perhaps better described as an entire band of electrons, minus one;
it literally does not exist without a [large] number of electrons in
concert. While the distinction may not be important to some, it helps
quite a bit in grasping the detailed solid state physics when faced
with the fact that holes can behave far differently than "an electron
with a positive charge."

Would they act electrically the same? I think only under highly
specialized or theoretical circumstances that from a practical
standpoint are probably contrived if not impossible.


Stefan Jeglinski