Good reading here
http://www.electronicstheory.com/COURSES/projnkits/projDiode.htmHere I'm trying to figure out how to dope my own diodes
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/diode1.htmHere I'm Learning how to get Silocon
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SiliconThis seemed to help me understand Silicon
http://www.ehow.com/info_8675759_uses-metalloids-industry.htmlI took the 30kv 2 amp diode I blown up and put it into the lath. I turned it down to 1/4" and there was nothing there accept a black substance that never seemed to change from the time I started turning till the time I ended. I did notice a series of about 20 copper wires 1.5mm in diameter spaced about 1/8" apart. There were some along the left side and some along the right like a checkerdboard. on one side you could tell that the material surrounded the copper about .7mm all the way around the copper as if it was seated in a slightly darker dope. The other side looked normal. It sorta looked like you was looking at a catapilliar upside down, and on his left legs they all had rings around them. I dont like playing with arsenic so I made it a fast note.