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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of drift current in a PN junction and its relationship to applied bias. Participants explore the theoretical underpinnings of drift current, including its dependence on carrier density, drift velocity, and external electric fields, as well as contrasting it with diffusion current.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that drift current density is given by J = qnv, suggesting that since n is independent of bias, the drift current should not depend on it.
  • Another participant argues that drift current is indeed dependent on bias, as drift velocity is influenced by the mobility of charge carriers and the electric field across the junction.
  • A third participant references the equation Jdrift = sigma * electric field, indicating that drift current is a function of the electric field, which may require reevaluation.
  • One participant distinguishes between diffusion and drift mechanisms, asserting that while diffusion current is affected by bias, the number of minority carriers remains unchanged by bias, which is central to the claim that drift current is independent of bias.
  • Concerns are raised about the lack of consideration for the acceleration of minority carriers and their changing drift velocity in the presence of an electric field.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether drift current is independent of bias, with some asserting it is independent while others argue it is dependent on the applied electric field and carrier mobility. The discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight various assumptions regarding carrier behavior, the definitions of drift and diffusion currents, and the impact of electric fields, which may not be fully addressed in the discussion.

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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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