Impact ionization

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-005719",
  "term": "Impact ionization",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A process in which a highly energetic charge carrier, such as an electron or hole, collides with an atom or molecule in a material, transferring enough energy to ionize it and create a new electron-hole pair. This phenomenon can lead to charge multiplication in semiconductors and is relevant in the operation of certain electronic devices. It is a non-radiative process that dissipates energy.",
  "subject": "Polymer",
  "see_also": [
    "charge carrier generation",
    "lowest unoccupied molecular orbital",
    "charge carrier",
    "hole"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2022, 94, 15. 'Glossary of terms relating to electronic, photonic and magnetic properties of polymers (IUPAC Recommendations 2021)' on page 36 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2020-0501)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/impact-ionization/"
}