Electron holes

[jeheron]

In terms of semiconductors, and electrons moving from the valence to conduction bands, how do the remaining electron holes contribute to electrical conductivity?

Also, can anyone provide a short qualitative description of the properties of an electron hole as I am not totally familiar with the concept?

[insane_alien]

basically, they behave like a positron. when an electron and a hole meet they cancel each other out and that bit of the semiconductor becomes inert. the holes are drawn towards areas of negative charge. thats about it really.

[swansont]

The often behave as if they were more massive than electrons/positrons, though.

[Klaynos]

The often behave as if they were more massive than electrons/positrons, though.

 

But so do electrons within semiconductors.