most diodes today are based on semi-conductorp-njunctions. in a p-n diode, conventional current is from the p-type side (the anode) to the n- type side (the cathode) , but not in the opposite direction. another type of semiconductor diode, the schottky diode, is formed from the contact between a metal and a semiconductor ranther than by a p - n junction.
a semiconductor diode's current voltage characteristic, or I - V curve, is related to the transport of carrier through the so-called depletion layer or depletion region that exits at the p-n junction between differing
semiconductors. when a p-n junction is first created conduction band (mobile) electrons from the N-doped region diffuse into the p-doped region where there is a large population of holes(places for electrons in which no electron is present)with which the electron " recombine". When a mobile electron recombines with a hole, both hole and electron vanish, leaving behind an immobile positively charged donor (the dopant)on the n-side. the region around the p-n junction becomes depleted of charge carriers and thus behave as an insulator.
however, the width of the depletion region (called the deoletion width)cannot grow without limit. for each electron hole pair that recombine, a positively-charged dopant ion is left behind in the N-doped region. as recombination proceeds and more ions are created, an increasing electric field develops through the depletion zone which acts to slow and the finally stop recombination. at this point, there is a"built-in" potential across the depletion zone. if an external voltage is placed across the diode with the same polarity as the built-in potential, the depletion zone continues to act as an insulator, preventing any significant electric current flow (unless electron / hole pairs are actively being created in the junction by, for instance, light see photodiode. This is the reverse bias phenomenon.However, if the polarity of the external voltage opposes the built -in potential, recombination can once again proceed, resuilting in substantial electric current through the pn junction (i.e substantial numbers of electrons and loles recombine at the junction). For silicon diodes, the built-in potential is approximately 0.6V. thus, if an external current is passed through the diode, about 0.6V will be developed across the diode such that the P-doped region is positive with respect to the N-doped region and the diode is said to be"turn on" as it has a forward bias. A diode's I-V characteristic can be approximated by four region of operation (see the figure at right)
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