Why is the Drift Current of a PN Junction Independent of Bias?

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SUMMARY

The drift current of a PN junction is defined by the equation J = qnv, where q represents the carrier charge, n is the carrier density per unit volume, and v is the carrier drift velocity. Despite the application of an external electric field, the drift current remains independent of bias due to the constant nature of minority carrier density. The drift velocity is influenced by the mobility of charge carriers and the electric field, but the drift current itself does not vary with bias. This is contrasted with diffusion current, which is significantly affected by bias changes due to the exponential variation of majority carriers according to the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of semiconductor physics
  • Familiarity with drift and diffusion current concepts
  • Knowledge of carrier mobility in PN junctions
  • Basic grasp of the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between carrier mobility and electric fields in semiconductors
  • Explore the mathematical derivation of drift current equations in PN junctions
  • Investigate the role of minority carriers in semiconductor conduction
  • Learn about the effects of temperature on carrier density and mobility
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Electrical engineers, semiconductor physicists, and students studying semiconductor devices will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in the principles of PN junction behavior and current flow mechanisms.

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The magnitude of a drift current density is given by J = qnv, where q is the carrier charge, n is the carrier density per unit volume, and v is the carrier drift velocity. q is a physical constant and n is independent of bias. But when an external electric field is applied, the minority charge carriers must surely accelerate and change their drift velocity. How is the drift current of a pn junction not a function of bias?
 
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The drift current of a pn junction is dependent upon the bias placed across the junction. The drift velocity v is dependent upon the mobility of the holes and electrons in the junction as well as the electric field placed across the junction.
 
The equation for drift current that I learned was Jdrift=sigma*electric field where sigma is the (q*n*mobility)

It is as far as I know a function of the electric field as well maybe re check the equation
 
There are two mechanisms of conduction in a semiconductor: diffusion and drift. Diffusion current, on one hand, is clearly affected by changes in bias because the number of majority carriers that are able to diffuse across the junction varies exponentially according to the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution. On the other hand, minority carriers do not face a potential barrier so their number is unaffected by changes in bias and that is the crux of the explanation as to why, according to every reputable source I've come across, the drift current of a PN junction is independent of bias. But the fact that minority carriers accelerate and change their drift velocity in the presence of an applied electric field is never accounted for. Why?
 

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