Potential barrier developed in a junction diode opposesa)minority carr...
Potential Barrier in a Junction Diode
The junction diode is a two-terminal semiconductor device in which a p-type and an n-type semiconductor are joined together. The junction between the two regions is called the p-n junction.
When a p-type and an n-type semiconductor are joined together, a potential barrier is formed at the junction which opposes the flow of majority carriers across the junction.
Opposition to Majority Carriers
The potential barrier developed in a junction diode opposes the flow of majority carriers, i.e. holes in the p-region and electrons in the n-region. This is because the potential barrier creates a potential difference across the junction which opposes the flow of majority carriers.
For example, in the p-region, holes are the majority carriers, and they tend to diffuse into the n-region due to their concentration gradient. However, the potential barrier at the junction opposes this diffusion of holes, and hence, a depletion region is formed at the junction.
Similarly, in the n-region, electrons are the majority carriers, and they tend to diffuse into the p-region due to their concentration gradient. However, the potential barrier at the junction opposes this diffusion of electrons, and hence, a depletion region is formed at the junction.
Conclusion
Thus, the potential barrier developed in a junction diode opposes the flow of majority carriers across the junction, and this is the reason why the junction diode is a unidirectional device that allows the flow of current in only one direction.