Definition

A type of excited state in a material, where an electron is bound to a hole, allowing energy to move through the material without carrying a net charge.

Example

The exciton plays a crucial role in the efficiency of solar cells by facilitating energy transfer.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of an exciton?

Yeah, I think it has to do with semiconductors, right?

Exactly! It's a bound state of an electron and a hole.

That's pretty interesting; I didn't know it could be mobile!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Exciton → It is formed from "ex-" (meaning out of or from) and "citon" (derived from the Greek "kitos" meaning a particle or small thing). The word "exciton" refers to a bound state of an electron and an electron hole, indicating a particle that is formed from an electron moving out of its normal position.

Memory Tip

Think of an electron moving 'out of' ('ex-') its normal position, creating a small particle ('citon') — that's what an exciton is.

Visually Confused Words