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Diodes

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The Physics of Semiconductors

Part of the book series: Graduate Texts in Physics ((GTP))

Abstract

One of the simplest1 semiconductor devices is the diode. It is a so-called two-terminal device, i.e. a device with two leads. The most prominent property of a diode is the rectifying current–voltage (I–V ) characteristic. This function was initially realized with vacuum tubes (Fig. 20.1); a heated filament emits electrons that are transferred through vacuum to the anode if it is on a positive potential. The semiconductor diode technology led to a tremendous miniaturization, integration with other devices (in planar technology) and cost reduction.

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  1. Universität Leipzig, Inst. f. Experimentelle Physik II, AG Halbleiterphysik, Linnéstr. 5, 04103, Leipzig, Germany

    Prof. Dr. Marius Grundmann

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  1. Prof. Dr. Marius Grundmann
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Grundmann, M. (2010). Diodes. In: The Physics of Semiconductors. Graduate Texts in Physics. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-13884-3_20

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-13884-3_20

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