How does applying potential affect the energy band diagram for a diode?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the effects of applying potential on the energy band diagram of a diode, exploring the implications for electron concentration and energy levels. Participants examine the relationship between applied voltage and shifts in the band diagram, focusing on the conceptual understanding of energy levels and potential energy in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why the band diagram shifts down when a positive potential is applied, referencing a professor's explanation related to the negative charge of electrons and the concept of electric fields.
  • Another participant clarifies that applying a voltage changes the electric potential and total energy of charges, which affects their position in the band diagram.
  • A different participant seeks further clarification on why the energy moves down rather than up, questioning the meaning of the y-axis in the band diagram.
  • One participant introduces the concept of calculating electric potential energy for a test charge in an electric field, suggesting that changes in the electric field should clarify the behavior of potential energy in the band diagram.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the direction of the energy shift in the band diagram and the implications of applied potential, indicating that multiple competing views remain without a consensus.

Contextual Notes

The discussion involves assumptions about the behavior of electrons in electric fields and the interpretation of energy levels in band diagrams, which may not be fully resolved or agreed upon by participants.

jaus tail
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TL;DR
Why does band diagram shift in diode?
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Ref: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/Solids/pnjun2.html
Hyperphysics Asstr

Why does the band diagram shift up or down when I apply potential? Why does it shift down when positive potential is applied? Professor said it's because electron has negative charge and so we consider downward direction as positive because we have -qE as some energy for electron to enter free space.

But I didn't understand it. If I apply n-region with positive potential, then am I increasing or decreasing electron concentration in Surface. From Energy band diagram I am increasing Electron concentration as the Ef is toward Ec now. But I don't understand how?
 
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But why does it move down and why not up? The y-axis is energy to do what?
 
Do you know how to calculate the electric potential energy for a test charge in an electric field? In band diagrams the position of the charge is fixed so if you make the field more positive it should be obvious what happens to the electric potential energy.

The y-axis is total energy. Potential energy is energy to do... something. It’s equivalent to asking what a weight whose height was changed can (or cannot) do.
 

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