4.1 p-n junctions - Introduction

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4.1.1 Introduction

p-n junctions consist of two adjacent semiconductor regions of opposite type. Such junctions show a pronounced rectifying behavior and are therefore called p-n diodes1.

The p-n junction is a versatile device, which is often used as a rectifying element. In addition, they can be used as solar cells, photodiodes, LEDs and even laser diodes. They are also an essential part of Metal-Oxide-Silicon Field-Effects-Transistors (MOSFETs) and Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs).

  1. P-n diodes were named after di-odes, vacuum tubes that were used as rectifying elements. The term diode refers to the fact that these vacuum tubes contain two electrodes: the anode (positive electrode) and the cathode (negative electrode).

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© Bart J. Van Zeghbroeck, 1996, 1997