Does any current flow in reverse PN junction?

AI Thread Summary
In a reverse-biased PN junction, the positive donor ions in the N-type semiconductor and negative acceptor ions in the P-type create a barrier that prevents significant current flow. Although there is a small reverse leakage current, it primarily involves minority carriers, such as electrons in the P-type material. The majority charge carriers in the P-type are holes, which means that injected electrons from the negative side do not freely cross the junction but instead reduce the number of available holes, decreasing conductivity. The discussion clarifies that while some reverse current exists, it remains minimal due to these dynamics. Understanding these principles is crucial for grasping diode behavior in reverse bias conditions.
Dembie
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Homework Statement

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When a diode is reverse biased positive donor ions are left in the N semiconductor and negative acceptor ions in the P type. And since the N is conected to + and its donnor ions has a large +charge, why no electrons from P cannot cross the junction and move to the +of the battery?

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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There is some reverse current but it's very small because it's the minority carriers involved. For example in the P-type material the majority charge carriers are holes. It's better to think of electrons that are injected from the -ve as reducing the number of holes available making it less conductive, rather than being free electrons able to go across the barrier.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverse_leakage_current
 
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CWatters said:
There is some reverse current but it's very small because it's the minority carriers involved. For example in the P-type material the majority charge carriers are holes. It's better to think of electrons that are injected from the -ve as reducing the number of holes available making it less conductive, rather than being free electrons able to go across the barrier.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverse_leakage_current
I get it now, thank you for ur answers:-)
 
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