why is silicon preferred over germanium in diodes?

Question

why silicon is a better choice of semiconductor.

Answer 1

Germanium works best for very low voltage signal levels. It only loses 0.2v across the junction. It can be easily damaged by too high a voltage or current and cannot handle power well.
Silicon loses 0.7 volts across the junction but can stand much higher temperatures and handles power quite well.
If it is necessary to salvage every bit of voltage from an input germanium is the best choice. If there is voltage to spare silicone is much cheaper and durable.

Answer 2

well..in fact there is no better choice for the semiconducter...In fact,for silicon diodes the typical forward voltage is 0.7 while for germanium it is only 0.3 ...here germanium proves better..In case of LED ,germanium or germanium arsanide is used since the indicating frequency of silicon diode falls in the infrared region and cant b used as indicator...Even here germanium is more widely used...but in case of diodes were both silicon and germanium can b used...silicon may b used since they r cheaper and can tolerate a greater tempatature variation...still germanium diodes r more efficient and durable and hence generally more germainium diodes r in demand than the silicon diodes in the semiconducter industry

Answer 3

Silicon is a better insulator at room temperature and is more tolerant of heat.

Answer 4

Silicon is cheaper and a better insulator

Answer 5

silicon leakage current small,easily available than Ga,breakbown voltage is more

Answer 6

it's reverse breakdown curve is higher. It's temprature sensitivity is better.

Answer 7

easier to fab = cheaper

Answer 8

easy to procure and dispose!

Answer 9

availablility
germanium

Answer 10

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