Junction Capacitance in a GaAs Photodiode

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on estimating the junction capacitance of a GaAs photodiode across varying bias voltages, with the user struggling to achieve expected results. They reference equations from a semiconductor physics textbook but find their calculations yield values significantly off from expectations, suspecting incorrect variable values. Other participants inquire about the specific photodiode model and expected capacitance, with one mentioning a previous calculation of 250pF at 0V. The user acknowledges the need to correct their variable values but has not yet provided detailed calculations for review. Clarification on the equations and accurate variable values is sought to resolve the discrepancies in capacitance calculations.
GraemeC
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I am trying to get an estimation the junction capacitance of my GaAs Photodiode with respect to varying bias voltages.

My Semiconductor Physics online textbook gives the following equations

Junction1.PNG


with
ε0 = permittivity of free space
εGgAs = GaAs dielectric constant
μ = Mobility of electrons
ρ = resitivity
Vbi = built-in voltage
VA = Bias voltage (in my case 0 - 5V)
A = photodiode area (in my case 0.3μm2)

Whenever, I work through the calculations I get answers that are many orders of magnitude off what I expect

I think the main issue is just getting the correct values(in the correct units) for each of the variables as I have been pulling them in from different sources.

Any help would appreciated.
 
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Welcome to PF.
What is the make and model of the photodiode ?
What capacitance do you expect ?
 
It's custom part.
My colleague did a calculation a while back and came up 250pF at 0V
I'm getting femtoFarads which is definitely not right!
 
You haven't shown us your work. You seem to have diagnosed your problem is, but haven't taken the step of fixing it. What exactly are you asking for?
 
Confirmation that the equations I've given are correct and then values for
ε0 = permittivity of free space
εGgAs = GaAs dielectric constant
μ = Mobility of electrons
ρ = resitivity
Vbi = built-in voltage
 
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