Derivation of width of depletion layer in the pn-junction

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SUMMARY

The width of the depletion layer in a pn-junction is derived using the equations presented in "SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE FUNDAMENTALS" by Robert F. Pierret. The depletion width, W, is calculated as W = x_N + x_P, where x_N and x_P are the lengths of the n-doped and p-doped regions, respectively. The correct formula for W is W = √((2 K_S ε₀/q) * (N_D + N_A) / (N_A * N_D) * V_{bi}), which differs from the incorrect assumption that W can be expressed as √((2 K_S ε₀/q) * (N_D² + N_A²) / (N_A * N_D * (N_A + N_D)) * V_{bi}). This confusion arises from a misunderstanding of the mathematical properties of square roots.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of semiconductor physics, specifically pn-junctions
  • Familiarity with the concepts of doping concentrations (N_A and N_D)
  • Knowledge of built-in potential (V_{bi}) in semiconductor devices
  • Basic algebra and properties of square roots
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of depletion region width in "SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE FUNDAMENTALS" by Robert F. Pierret
  • Learn about the impact of doping concentrations on the electrical properties of pn-junctions
  • Explore the mathematical properties of square roots and their implications in physical equations
  • Investigate the role of built-in potential (V_{bi}) in semiconductor device operation
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Students and professionals in electrical engineering, semiconductor physics researchers, and anyone involved in the design and analysis of pn-junction devices.

tcsv018
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Hello,

I read a derivation for the width of the depletion region W in "SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE FUNDAMENTALS" by Robert F. Pierret in which at one point it says:
http://imageshack.com/i/ipbgKsK9p
Here again for better readability:

x_N = \sqrt{\frac{2 K_S \epsilon_0}{q}\frac{N_A}{N_D\cdot(N_A+N_D)}V_{bi}}
x_P = \sqrt{\frac{2 K_S \epsilon_0}{q}\frac{N_D}{N_A\cdot(N_A+N_D)}V_{bi}}
W = x_N + x_P = \sqrt{\frac{2 K_S \epsilon_0}{q}\frac{N_D+N_A}{N_A\cdot N_D}V_{bi}}

Which is confusing to me as I would expect the same containing:
W = x_N + x_P = \sqrt{\frac{2 K_S \epsilon_0}{q}\frac{N_D^2+N_A^2}{N_A\cdot N_D\cdot(N_A+N_D)}V_{bi}}This same outcome though is found on various places in the internet.

Does anyone know what I am missing?

Kind regards,

Name

Symbols:
x_N length of n-doped region
x_P length of p-doped region
N_Adensity of acceptors
N_Ddensity of donors
V_{bi} builtin potential

All the others are known constants
 
Last edited:
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##\sqrt{x}+\sqrt{y} \neq \sqrt{x+y}##

Ignoring the common prefactors,
$$x_N = \sqrt{\frac{N_A^2}{N_D N_A (N_A+N_D)}}$$
$$x_N = \sqrt{\frac{N_A^2}{N_D N_A (N_A+N_D)}}$$
$$W = \sqrt{\frac{1}{N_D N_A (N_A+N_D)}} \left(\sqrt{N_A^2} + \sqrt{N_D^2}\right) = \sqrt{\frac{1}{N_D N_A (N_A+N_D)}} \left(N_A + N_D\right) \\= \sqrt{\frac{(N_A+N_D)^2}{N_D N_A (N_A+N_D)}} = \sqrt{\frac{N_A+N_D}{N_D N_A}}$$
 
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