pn junction is a basic component of other devices such as bipolar transistors
and MOSFETs. Therefore, the analysis in this chapter is indispensable for
understanding the devices treated in entire of this book. The prominent feature of pn
junction is that it rectifies the current flow, where it allows current flow in one direction
but not in opposite direction. We study the potential distribution, current voltage
characteristics, and breakdown of the pn junction.
Keywords: Avalanche breakdown, Built-in potential, Debye length, Depletion
approximation, Depletion width, Diffusion current, Drift current, High injecting
effects, Linearly graded junction, pn junction, Poisson equation, Recombination
current, Step junction, Tunneling probability, Zener breakdown.
