Semiconductors are special materials that can behave as insulators or conductors, depending on the circuit and how the semiconductor has been made. About 50 years ago, scientists discovered that semiconductors could be used to make special circuits called ‘transistors’ and changed the future of electronics.
Most modern technology depends on semiconductors to work – PCs, iPods, mobile phones, LED flashing bicycle lights, etc.
The semiconductor material most commonly used in electronic devices is Silicon. The Intel factory in Leixlip, Co. Kildare, makes the latest ‘Silicon chips’ for PCs.