N-type refers to a type of semiconductor material that has been doped with impurities to create an excess of electrons. This process typically involves adding elements from group V of the periodic table, such as phosphorus or arsenic, to a pure semiconductor like silicon. The extra electrons contribute to electrical conductivity, allowing the material to carry an electric current more effectively. In n-type semiconductors, the majority charge carriers are negatively charged electrons, while the minority carriers are positively charged holes. This characteristic makes n-type materials essential in various electronic devices, including transistors, diodes, and solar cells, where they often work in conjunction with p-type semiconductors to form p-n junctions.