Variation of Potential outside a PN junction

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the potential variation across a step junction at equilibrium, highlighting that the P region has a constant negative potential while the N region shows a positive potential. It emphasizes that the potential at the P region should be positive due to the presence of positive charge carriers, with a transition to negative potential in the adjacent region due to electron presence. The migration of free carriers between the P and N regions creates a positive area near the junction from holes and a negative area from electrons. The neutrality of both P and N-type semiconductors is reiterated, clarifying the charge distribution at the junction. Understanding these concepts is crucial for analyzing potential variations in semiconductor physics.
Amal Thejus
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Homework Statement


1. We are considering a step junction at equilibrium(no external voltage applied).

2. The potential variation is shown as negative potential at P region(which is shown as constant) and increasing through the transient region to become positive in the n region.

Homework Equations


Potential V=Q/4ΠΣ

The Attempt at a Solution


1. As per the equation for potential, the value of potential at the P region should be positive(since Q=positive here) and shown at a higher level than the negative potential in the N region(since Q=negative here).

2.Also the positive potential at P region should drop to a negative value in the transition region next to it(because of the presence of electrons there at equilibrium) and slowly increase to become positive potential as the transient region changes from negative to positive. As the positive region comes to an end the graph should again become negative due to the electrons in the N region.
 

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A p or n-type semiconductor is neutral. When an n-type piece is in contact with a p-type piece, some of the free carriers migrate to the other side, electrons from the n-type part and holes form the p-type part. These holes make the region near the pn junction positive, and the electron, having diffused to the p-type side, make a negative region near the junction.
 
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ehild said:
A p or n-type semiconductor is neutral. When an n-type piece is in contact with a p-type piece, some of the free carriers migrate to the other side, electrons from the n-type part and holes form the p-type part. These holes make the region near the pn junction positive, and the electron, having diffused to the p-type side, make a negative region near the junction.

Thank you so much. That was kind of a stupid question right. I can't believe I missed the material being neutral. Thanks again.
 
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