The atomic structure of silicon makes it a very important semiconductor, and silicon is the most important semiconductor in electronics and technology. Adding an element such as boron, an atom of which can replace a silicon atom in the crystal structure but provides one less valence electron (boron is electronegative) than silicon, allows the silicon atoms to lose electrons. The positive holes that are created by the change of electrons form an external semiconductor of the type called positive (p). Adding an element such as arsenic, an atom of which can replace a silicon atom in the crystal but provides an extra valence electron (arsenic is electropositive), releases its electron within the lattice. These electrons form a negative (n) semiconductor.

Highly pure silicon, combined with elements such as boron, phosphorus, and arsenic, is commonly known as silicon wafers and is the main material used in computer chips, integrated circuits, transistors, silicon diodes, liquid crystal displays, and various other devices. Electronics and switching.

If p-silicon and n-silicon wafers are joined together, in a process called a p-n junction, and exposed to sunlight, the absorbed energy causes electrons to move through the junction and an electric current. be connected in an external circuit. Abundant such solar cell is the energy source of space devices and is found in solar energy devices as a renewable energy source.