The spelling of "magnetic semiconductor" is straightforward once the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription is understood. The word is pronounced as /mæɡˈnɛtɪk sɛmɪkənˌdʌktər/. The first syllable "mæɡ" represents the common "mag" or "magnet" sound. The second syllable "ˈnɛtɪk" has a long "e" sound as in "see," followed by a "t" that links to the next syllable. The final syllable, "sɛmɪkənˌdʌktər," combines "semiconductor" with a long "o" sound and the suffix "-er."
A magnetic semiconductor is a material that exhibits both magnetic properties and semiconducting behavior, combining the characteristics of traditional semiconductors and magnetic materials. In a magnetic semiconductor, the atoms or ions within the material possess magnetic moments, allowing for the presence of a spontaneous magnetic ordering. This means that the material demonstrates a net magnetic field even at zero external magnetic field.
Unlike traditional semiconductors, where the primary properties are electrical conductivity and the ability to alter conductivity with applied voltage, a magnetic semiconductor allows for the manipulation of electron spin, in addition to charge. This gives rise to substantial possibilities for new types of electronic and spintronic devices, such as spin transistors, magnetic memory elements, or spin-based quantum computing.
The magnetic behavior in a magnetic semiconductor arises from the interaction between the localized magnetic moments of unpaired electrons, known as spins, and the itinerant (movable) electrons responsible for electrical conductivity. These interactions can be influenced by factors such as temperature, impurities, or external magnetic fields. By controlling these interactions, researchers aim to tune the magnetic properties of the semiconductor and harness its potential for various technological applications.
The study and development of magnetic semiconductors have gained significant attention in recent years due to their unique ability to combine magnetic and electronic properties. Research efforts are focused on understanding the fundamental physics behind magnetic semiconductor behavior, exploring novel material compositions, improving their magnetic properties, and finding ways to integrate them into practical devices for use in technology and various industrial applications.
The word "magnetic" derives from the Latin word "magnes", which means "magnet" or "magnetic stone". The term "semiconductor" is composed of the Latin prefix "semi-", meaning "half", and "conductor", referring to a substance that allows the flow of electric current. "Semiconductor" originally described materials that had electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator. The term "magnetic semiconductor" combines these two words to refer to a material that exhibits both magnetic properties and semiconductor behavior, allowing the control of electrical currents using magnetic fields.