Difution drift currect question

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the equation for diffusion drift current, specifically focusing on the interpretation of its components, including the drift coefficient, electric field, electron density, and diffusion coefficient. Participants seek clarification on the meaning of various terms and their roles within the equation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the equation J_e=qμnE-qD_e(dn/dx) and seeks clarification on each term, identifying μ as the drift coefficient and E as the electric field.
  • Another participant provides a link to a resource that may help explain the diffusion drift current, although it does not directly address the participant's specific questions.
  • A participant identifies n as the electron density and asks about the meaning of dn/dx, suggesting it represents the derivative of electron density with respect to the coordinate x.
  • It is noted that dn/dx indicates a diffusion current where electrons move from areas of higher concentration to lower concentration.
  • One participant explains that D_e (or D_n) is the diffusion coefficient of electrons, which depends on electron mobility and temperature.
  • A question is raised regarding the formula for hole current, specifically why it includes a plus sign, contrasting it with the electron current which has a minus sign.
  • Another participant clarifies that the hole current has a plus sign because holes are positively charged, while electrons are negatively charged.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple viewpoints and questions regarding the interpretation of the equation and its components. There is no consensus on all aspects, as participants continue to seek clarification and express differing levels of understanding.

Contextual Notes

Some terms and their implications remain undefined or unclear, such as the specific role of D_e in the context of the equation. The discussion also highlights assumptions regarding the behavior of electron density in a semiconductor.

nhrock3
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[tex]J_e=q\mu \bar{n}E-qD_e\frac{d\bar{n}}{dx}[/tex]
i can't understand this equation
what each member of this equation

i only know that [tex]\mu[/tex] is the drift coefficient
E is the field

what the rest of the memebers represent
?
 
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nhrock3 said:
[tex]J_e=q\mu \bar{n}E-qD_e\frac{d\bar{n}}{dx}[/tex]
i can't understand this equation
what each member of this equation

i only know that [tex]\mu[/tex] is the drift coefficient
E is the field

what the rest of the memebers represent
?

I googled diffusion drift current, and got lots of good hits. Here's one that should answer your question:

http://ecee.colorado.edu/~bart/book/book/chapter2/ch2_10.htm

.
 
n is the electron density what is the meening of
dn/dx
?

in this page it doesn't say what is D_e
?

the is also a formula for hole current
why it has plus in the middle (in the electron current we have minus in the meedle)
??
 
nhrock3 said:
n is the electron density what is the meening of
dn/dx
?

dn/dx would be the derivative of electron density with respect to the coordinate x. In other words, if you're simply dealing with a semiconductor in which the elctron density only changes in x (i.e. y, and z components are constant), there will be a diffusion current where electrons will diffuse from a higher concentration area to a lower concentration area. This is mathematically depicted by 'dn/dx'.

nhrock3 said:
in this page it doesn't say what is D_e
?

D_e (or D_n) is the diffusion coefficient of electrons. It depends on the mobility of the electrons, and temperature of the sample.

nhrock3 said:
the is also a formula for hole current
why it has plus in the middle (in the electron current we have minus in the meedle)
??

The hole current has a plus because holes are positively charged as opposed to electrons which are negatively charged
 
thanks :)
 

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