Silicon Junction Diode: Charge Density and Potential Analysis

AI Thread Summary
In the analysis of a silicon junction diode, the region between n-type and p-type semiconductors is modeled as two slabs of charge, with a potential difference of 0.3 V between them. The charge density in each slab can be derived using the relationship between the second derivative of potential and charge density. Initial conditions include continuity of potential at the junction and specific values at the endpoints. The potential equations for each slab were established, but the solver encountered too many unknowns relative to the equations available. The solution progressed by determining one constant value, leading to further calculations for charge density and electric field strength at the midplane.
Slightly
Messages
29
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



In a silicon junction diode, the region of the planar junction between n-type and p-type
semiconductors can be approximately represented as two adjoining slabs of charge, one
negative and one positive. Away from the junction, outside these charge layers, the
potential is constant, with a value of Vn in the n-type material and Vp in the p-type
material. Given that the difference between Vp and Vn is 0.3 V, and that the thickness
of each of the two slabs of charge is 10^-4 m, find the charge density in each of the
two slabs, and make a graph of the potential V as a function of position through the
junction. What is the strength of the electric field at the midplane?


Homework Equations



I using the relationship that the second derivative of the potential is equal to σ/ε.
I have certain conditions. Putting the middle of the bar at x=0, the potential must be continuous through the middle and I have conditions set at the endpoints

phi_1(-10^-4)=0
phi_2(10^-4)=.3
phi_1(0)=phi_2(0)
σ1+σ2 = 0

The Attempt at a Solution



I get two expressions

phi_1(x)= σ1/(2ε)x^2+Ax + B
phi_2(x) = σ2/(2ε)x^2+Cx+D

I found that A=C and B=D using the conditions, but now I have too many unknowns and not enough equations.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Update 1. Found that B = .15
by substituting σ1 for -σ2 and plugging in the values of 10^-4 and -10^-4 into the respective equations and added them.
 
Thread 'Help with Time-Independent Perturbation Theory "Good" States Proof'
(Disclaimer: this is not a HW question. I am self-studying, and this felt like the type of question I've seen in this forum. If there is somewhere better for me to share this doubt, please let me know and I'll transfer it right away.) I am currently reviewing Chapter 7 of Introduction to QM by Griffiths. I have been stuck for an hour or so trying to understand the last paragraph of this proof (pls check the attached file). It claims that we can express Ψ_{γ}(0) as a linear combination of...

Similar threads

Back
Top