- Current Density Definition: Current density is defined as the electric current per unit area of a conductor’s cross-section, denoted by J.
- Formula for Current Density: The current density in a metal is calculated using J = I/A, where I is the current and A is the cross-sectional area.
- Semiconductor Current Flow: In semiconductors, current density is due to both electrons and holes, which move in opposite directions but contribute to the same direction of current.
- Current Density in Semiconductor: The total current density in a semiconductor is the sum of the current densities due to electrons and holes, each having different mobilities.
- Relation to Conductivity: Current density (J) is related to conductivity (σ) through the formula J = σE, where E is the electric field intensity.
The concept of current density is very simple but it is much use full in the field of electrical engineering.
Current Density in Metal
Imagine a conductor with a cross-section of 2.5 square mm. If an electric potential causes a current of 3 A, the current density is 1.2 A/mm² (3/2.5). This assumes the current is uniformly distributed. Thus, current density is defined as the electric current per unit cross-sectional area of the conductor.
Current density, denoted by J, is given by J = I/A, where ‘I’ is the current and ‘A’ is the cross-sectional area. If N electrons pass through a cross-section in time T, then the charge transferred is Ne, where e is the charge of an electron in coulombs.
Now the amount of charge passing the cross-section per unit time is
Again if N number of electrons lie in the L length of the conductor, then the electron concentration is
Now, from equation (1) we can write,
Since, N number of electrons lie in the length L and they all pass the cross-section in time T, the drift velocity of the electrons will be,
Hence, equation (2) can also be rewritten as
Now if applied electric field to the conductor is E, then drift velocity of the electrons increases proportionally,
Where, μ is defined as the mobility of electrons
Current Density of Semiconductors
For calculating current density of semiconductor, some factors to be considered.
- In semiconductor current flows not only due to electrons instead it is due to drift of electrons as well as holes.
- Movement of holes is always in opposite to that of corresponding electrons.
- Holes contribute current to their direction of movement whereas electrons contribute current opposite to their direction of movement. Hence both currents will be in same direction.
- Electrons involved in causing current in semiconductor, move through conduction band whereas holes causing current in semiconductor move through valance band. That is why mobility of electrons and holes are different in semiconductor.
Current density in semiconductor will be,
Where, Jn is the current density due to mobile electrons.
Where, Jp is the current density due to mobile holes,
Then,
Where, n and p are the concentration of mobile electrons and holes respectively, e is absolute charge of each electron and hole and μn and μp are mobility of electrons and holes respectively.
What is the Relation Between Current Density and Conductivity?
The expression of current density is
Where, V is the applied voltage across conductor,
R is the resistance of the conductor,
A is the cross-sectional area of the conductor,
L is the length of the conductor,
ρ is the resistivity of the conductor,
σ (= 1/ρ) is the conductivity of the conductor.
E is the electric field intensity voltage/length.
