The understanding of the transistor effect stems from the observation that when an atom of phosphorus is forced upon an atom of silicon (replaced by germanium in later experiments), it contributes a negative electron to the silicon. On the other hand, when an atom of boron is forced upon an atom of silicon or germanium, it contributes a positive charge to the silicon or germanium and leaves a hole in the atomic structure that can migrate in semiconductors, thereby acting as a carrier of a positive charge.

On December 16, 1947, John Bardeen and Walter H. Brattain inserted two electrodes into a half-inch-long shred of germanium. They found that the electrical charge the germanium emitted was over one hundred times stronger than the charge that went in. This marked the beginning of transistors and of the information age. Bardeen and his colleagues initially were seeking to understand how to control rectifiers by adding an extra electrode. When they injected a positive probe close to a negative electrode, however, they discovered the transistor action that led to their understanding of the transistor effect. This theoretical understanding, in turn, eventually led, on an applied level, to the invention of transistors.

Transistors revolutionized the entire world of electronics on which modern society is so dependent. Whereas the vacuum tubes that were generally used as sources of power in their earliest electronic applications were large and cumbersome, transistors weigh little and are tiny. They can be mass-produced quickly and inexpensively. They are ideal for battery-powered uses because of the low voltages at which they can be operated.

Unlike vacuum tubes, transistors require no warm-up time but spring into action the moment the power source is engaged. They use power sparingly, so are notably power-efficient. They are generally rugged physically, although they can be subjected to interference from some electrical and magnetic fields. Transistors generally have a long life. Some have been in constant use since the late 1970's and are still operating. They can also control currents of several hundred amperes, which gives them a wide range of powerful uses.

Of considerable importance to such applications as the launching of spacecraft is the transistor's insensitivity to mechanical shock and heavy vibration. Transistors have made the exploration of space feasible because of their ability to withstand the vibrations involved in the launching of spacecraft. The invention of the transistor has been called the most significant development of the twentieth century, and such a claim is not exaggerated. In an electronic age, the transistor affects the lives of everyone.

Free term papers are not written to satisfy your specific instructions. You can use our professional writing services to buy a custom written research paper, term paper, or essay on Technology at affordable price. CustomTermPapers is the best solution for those who seek help in writing term papers, essays, and research papers related to Technology and other relevant topics.