1. Tardigrade
  2. Question
  3. Physics
  4. When a p-n junction diode is reverse biased, then

Question Error Report

Thank you for reporting, we will resolve it shortly

Back to Question

Q. When a $p-n$ junction diode is reverse biased, then

AIIMSAIIMS 2006Semiconductor Electronics: Materials Devices and Simple Circuits

Solution:

In reverse biasing, the applied voltage $V$ on the $n$-side is positive and is negative on the $p$-side. The applied bias $V$ and the barrier potential $V _{ B }$ are in the same direction making the effective junction potential $V + V _{ B }$. As a result, the junction width will increase. The higher junction potential would restrict the flow of majority carriers to a much greater extent. However, such a field will favour the
image
flow of minority carriers. So, reverse bias current will be due to the minority carriers only.