Crafting Tunnel / Esaki Diodes: What Facilities Are Needed?

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In summary, a Modern Tunnel / Esaki diode is a semiconductor device that utilizes quantum tunneling for fast switching speeds. It was invented by Leo Esaki in 1958 and is commonly used in high-frequency circuits, data communication networks, and radar systems. The diode has a thin p-type layer sandwiched between two n-type layers, allowing for the tunneling effect. Its advantages include low reverse breakdown voltage and fast switching time, but it is temperature-sensitive and more expensive to manufacture.
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Nik_2213
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This is not a home-work or course-work question. It is hypothetical, driven by curiosity.

Are any Tunnel / Esaki diodes being made ?
What grade of eg University facility / silicon forge would be required to craft a bespoke batch ?

Yes, I know a few Russian 'New Old Stock' diodes some-times show up on e-auction sites for eg $ 50 a pop, but what if your tale's protagonist needed a box full ??
 
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1. What is a Modern Tunnel / Esaki Diode?

A Modern Tunnel / Esaki diode is a type of semiconductor device that is designed to exploit the phenomenon of quantum tunneling in order to achieve very fast switching speeds. It was first invented by Leo Esaki in 1958 and has since been used in a wide range of applications such as high-frequency oscillators, frequency converters, and ultrafast switches.

2. How does a Modern Tunnel / Esaki Diode work?

A Modern Tunnel / Esaki diode is made up of a thin layer of p-type semiconductor sandwiched between two layers of n-type semiconductor. This creates a structure known as a tunnel junction, which allows electrons to tunnel through the barrier between the two layers. This tunneling effect is what allows the diode to switch on and off at extremely high speeds.

3. What are the advantages of using a Modern Tunnel / Esaki Diode?

Modern Tunnel / Esaki diodes have several advantages over traditional diodes. They have extremely low reverse breakdown voltage, making them ideal for use in high-frequency circuits. They also have a very low switching time, which allows them to be used in applications where speed is critical, such as in high-speed data communication networks.

4. What are the main applications of Modern Tunnel / Esaki Diodes?

Modern Tunnel / Esaki diodes have a wide range of applications in high-speed electronic circuits. They are commonly used in high-frequency oscillators, frequency converters, and ultrafast switches. They are also used in high-speed data communication networks, microwave communications, and in radar systems.

5. Are there any limitations to using Modern Tunnel / Esaki Diodes?

While Modern Tunnel / Esaki diodes have many advantages, they also have some limitations. One of the main limitations is that they are temperature-sensitive and can experience performance degradation at high temperatures. They are also more expensive to manufacture compared to traditional diodes, which can make them less practical for some applications.

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