A semiconductor is a form of material that has a conductive surface. In the field of electronics, semiconductor material is used for the construction of electronic devices. Electronic devices are used to convert electrical energy into another form of energy. In recent years, semiconductors are widely used in solar cells, battery chargers, and integrated circuits. Research into semiconductor technology is one of the most important parts of the electronics industry since the devices produced throughthis research are the ones that enable computers, mobile phones, and other electronic devices. The future of semiconductor industry is looking bright if recent years' progress is anything to go by. The next few years will see various changes in the world of semiconductors, with developments in areas such as nanoelectronics and spintronics making a big impact.

History

The first semiconductors (early semiconductor devices) were discovered in the mid-19th century. Still, it was not until the development of solid-state physics in the early 20th century that their potential as electrical devices were realized. The first semiconductor electronic device invented was the point-contact rectifier, developed by British scientists J. Lee De Forest developed J. Thomson and A. H. Wilson in 1897, followed by the first solid-state diode by J. A. Fleming in 1904. The first semiconductor electronic amplifier in 1907. In 1954 the first modern semiconductor transistor was developed by William Shockley and his colleagues at Bell Labs, based on Western Electric's research, who developed the first silicon-based planar transistor.

Semiconductors are a vital part of the technological revolution. Semiconductors are not only a key component of electronic devices, but they are also used in other applications in daily routine. Much like solar cells and wind turbines, semiconductor materials result from an engineering process, not a discovery of naturally occurring materials. When these are processed correctly,they can be used to create semiconductors, which are a key part of all electronic devices. Semiconductors are used to create computer chips that, in turn, contain semiconductor processing systems or CPUs. They're also used in other devices such as smartphones, cameras, and TVs.

The semiconductor industry has been in a state of hyper-growth for the past two decades. The innovation and constant technological breakthroughs have led to the rise of process technologies, which have advanced so much that we are now in the era of 20 nanometers and beyond. All of the advancements in the semiconductor industry have been driven by the consumer's demands and the promises of the industry. Now consumer clamors for smaller, faster, more durable, better performing, and cheaper products.