The semiconductor diode as a rectifier, a light source, and a solar cell: A simple explanation

摘要

An explanation of the principles of a pn junction is proposed without recourse to the band model, the space charge of the junction, and the charge carrier depletion at the interface. The explanation assumes that the processes in a pn junction can be considered as a chemical reaction between electrons, holes, and photons and that an n-type material is a conductor for electrons and an insulator for holes, and a p-type material is a conductor for holes and an insulator for electrons. We give a simple and concise explanation of rectification, light emission, and current generation by pn junctions. (C) 2006 American Association of Physics Teachers.