What is Bandgap?

A band gap (or energy gap) is an energy range in a solid where no electron states can exist. It essentially defines the minimum energy required for an electron to become mobile in a solid material. It is a crucial concept in solid-state physics and is fundamental to understanding the electrical conductivity of materials. Band gaps are commonly used in semiconductors (like silicon) to control the flow of electricity in electronic devices like transistors and diodes. Different materials have different band gap energies, determining their suitability for various applications, such as solar cells, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and detectors. A larger band gap generally means the material requires higher energy (e.g., shorter wavelength light) to excite electrons and conduct electricity.