Effect of doping level on the width of the depletion layer

In summary, the conversation discusses the behavior of electrons and holes in a p-n junction before and after reaching a steady state. It also considers the effect of doping on the width of the depletion layer and the impact of increased doping on the distribution of charges in the depletion region. The correct option is determined to be (ii) due to the decrease in ##\frac{C_A +C_D}{C_A C_D} ## when the doping level is increased. It is also clarified that the charges in the depletion region are due to fixed ions, not mobile electrons.
  • #1
Pushoam
962
51

Homework Statement


upload_2017-9-14_22-35-12.png


Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I think before getting the steady state, after doping there are more electrons in n-region and there are more holes in p-region, so the more electrons go towards the p-region and more holes go toward the n - region. Consequently the charges on the two sides of the depletion layer gets increased because of the doping.
After reaching the steady state, for an electron from n region going towards p-region, the negative charge at the starting of the p-region repels it and the positive charge at the n-region attracts the electron.
The resultant force on the electron due to these two source of charges in both type of p-n junction( doped and pure) should remain same.
Since, in case of doped p-n junction, the charges is comparatively more,the distance between the two sources of charges should get increased. Consequently, the width of the depletion layer should get increased.
The correct option is (iii). Right?
 
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  • #2
  • #3
For a p–n junction,
e63bc61ba4e6917a0cacc1a3b28846f01cabf43e
and
c9ef770751a0c0854d9fdc2596b092f46a12bd26
be the concentrations of acceptor and donor atoms respectively, and letting
854feabfdd4ef4c7274b417d7a40fa77ff387bda
and
9dec6d93e328ff3fa0a5f362f2c7e441bbcc5a9b
be the equilibrium concentrations of electrons and holes respectively.
letting
e85ff03cbe0c7341af6b982e47e9f90d235c66ab
be the total width of the depletion region, we get
cc00ef1d52e41b557e7c8cd635110b8bc567e85d
...................(1)
aa0ec3d68205fb7f4452de096cb34a50f661111e
can be written as
401f4ac62f2144949af75333e3837f728b432ce6
, where we have broken up the voltage difference into the equilibrium plus external components.
q is the magnitude of charge of electron.
bb6288f840ebe4420eaca247aa9d3fb99d81dc9b
....................(2)

In eqn. (2) , it is noted that if we increase doping level, ##\Delta V_0 ## increases logarithmically.
While in eqn.(1), we see that if we increase doping level ##\frac{C_A +C_D}{C_A C_D} ## decreases faster than increase in ##\Delta V_0 ##. So, as a result, d decreases when the doping level is increased.
Thus, the correct option is (ii). Right?

After joining p-type and n-type semiconductors, electrons from the n region near the p–n interface tend to diffuse into the p region leaving behind positively charged ions in the n region and being recombined with holes, forming negatively charged ions in the p region. Likewise, holes from the p-type region near the p–n interface begin to diffuse into the n-type region, leaving behind negatively charged ions in the p region and recombining with electrons, forming positive ions in the n region https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template:Explain_holes_move%3F&action=edit&redlink=1. The regions near the p–n interface lose their neutrality and most of their mobile carriers, forming the space charge region or depletion layer (see figure A).

Charges in the depletion region is due to the fixed ions, not mobile electrons. Right?
 
  • #4
Pushoam said:
Thus, the correct option is (ii). Right?

Right!

Charges in the depletion region is due to the fixed ions, not mobile electrons. Right?

Correct. There are no mobile carriers in the depletion region. It is "depleted" of mobile carriers, which is why it is called the depletion region. The mobile carriers are swept out of the depletion region by the large electric field.
 
  • #5
phyzguy said:
Right!
Thank you for helping me.
 

Attachments

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What is the depletion layer in a doped semiconductor?

The depletion layer is a region at the junction of two differently doped semiconductor materials where there is a depletion of majority charge carriers.

How does the doping level affect the width of the depletion layer?

The width of the depletion layer is directly proportional to the doping level. As the doping level increases, the width of the depletion layer also increases.

What happens to the width of the depletion layer at higher doping levels?

At higher doping levels, the width of the depletion layer decreases due to the increased concentration of majority charge carriers.

Why is the width of the depletion layer important in semiconductor devices?

The width of the depletion layer determines the barrier potential at the junction and affects the overall behavior and performance of semiconductor devices.

Can the width of the depletion layer be controlled?

Yes, the width of the depletion layer can be controlled by adjusting the doping level of the semiconductor material. This is often done in the design and fabrication of semiconductor devices to achieve desired electrical characteristics.

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