P-N Junction

When a p-n junction is formed, some of the free electrons in the n-region diffuse across the junction and combine with holes to form negative ions. In result they leave behind positive ions at the donor sites as shown in the figure below.

P-N Junction (Depletion Region)

When a p-n junction is formed, some of the electrons from the n-region which have reached the conduction band are free to diffuse across the junction and combine with holes.

P-N Junction (Depletion Region)

Filling a hole makes a negative ion and leaves behind a positive ion on the n-side. A space charge builds up, creating a depletion region which inhibits any further electron transfer unless it is helped by putting a forward bias on the junction

P-N Junction (Depletion Region)

DIODE
A P-N junction device having two terminals anode and cathode is called diode.

Diode Characteristics
Forward Biased If the voltage is applied in such a way that positive terminal of the battery is connected to the P-type terminal (Anode) and negative with the N-type terminal (cathode) of a diode. This assists electrons in overcoming the space charge in depletion region. Electrons will flow with very small resistance in the forward direction.

Forward Biased

Forward Biased
Silicon diodes require 0.7V to assist electrons in overcoming the space charge in depletion region

Forward Biased

Reverse Biased:
If the voltage is applied in such a way that positive terminal of the battery is connected to the N-type of the diode and negative with the P-type of a diode then it further impedes the flow of electrons across the junction.

Reverse Biased:
Reverse Bias causes to widen the depletion region During reverse biased a very small amount of current flows which is in pico amperes. This current is called the reverse saturation current or leakage current.

Diode Characteristic Curve

Diode as a Rectifier
The process of converting AC in to DC is called Rectification. The most common and widely used application of diode is rectification. Half Wave Rectifier Full Wave Rectifier Bridge Rectifier

Half Wave Rectifier

The simplest kind of rectifier circuit is the half-wave rectifier. It only allows one half of an AC waveform to pass through to the load.

Half Wave Rectifier

Full Wave Rectifier

To rectify AC power to obtain the full use of both half-cycles of the sine wave, a circuit consisting of two diodes is used and is called full wave rectifier. We use the centre tapped transformer in it which increases the cost as well as size of the circuit

Full Wave Rectifier