Basics of PN JUNCTION

Semiconductors

Materials with electrical conductivity between conductors and insulators, serving as the backbone of modern electronics.

Intrinsic Semiconductors

Pure semiconductors without added impurities that have limited free electrons and holes for conduction at room temperature.

Extrinsic Semiconductors

Semiconductors whose conductivity is enhanced by adding impurities through the process of doping.

N-type Semiconductors

Extrinsic semiconductors created by adding pentavalent impurities like phosphorus that donate extra electrons, making electrons the majority carriers.

P-type Semiconductors

Extrinsic semiconductors created by adding trivalent impurities like boron that accept electrons, resulting in holes as the majority carriers.

PN Junction

Formed by bringing a P-type semiconductor and an N-type semiconductor into contact, creating a region of charge carrier depletion.

Depletion Region

The area in a PN junction that is devoid of free charge carriers, formed by the movement of electrons and holes.

Barrier Potential

The potential barrier created by the depletion region in a PN junction that opposes further carrier diffusion.

Applications of PN Junctions

Used in diodes for rectification, transistors for digital circuits, solar cells for converting sunlight into electricity, and LEDs for light emission.

Doping

The process of adding impurities to a semiconductor to enhance its conductivity.