DEPLETION WIDTH Meaning and
Definition
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The depletion width refers to a characteristic property in the field of physics and electrical engineering, specifically in the study of semiconductors and p-n junctions. It represents the region surrounding the interface between two differently-doped semiconductor materials, where the majority carriers have been significantly reduced, resulting in a depleted region or zone.
In a p-n junction, when a positive voltage is applied to the p-side and a negative voltage to the n-side, an electric field is created across the junction, causing the majority charge carriers (electrons in the n-region and holes in the p-region) to get pulled away from the junction. As a result, a region near the junction becomes depleted of these carriers, hence termed the depletion region or width.
The depletion width or region is formed due to the diffusion process, where there is a redistribution of charged carriers across the junction. It is primarily made up of immobile ionized donor or acceptor impurities, creating a depletion layer that lacks any free mobile charge carriers.
The width of the region depends on various factors, including the concentration of dopants on each side of the junction and the applied voltage. In general, a higher concentration difference of dopants or a larger applied voltage will widen the depletion width.
Understanding the depletion width is crucial in analyzing the behavior and characteristics of p-n junctions, and it plays a significant role in various electronic devices like diodes, transistors, and solar cells.
Etymology of DEPLETION WIDTH
The word "depletion" comes from the Latin word "depletio", which means the act of emptying or reducing something. The word "width" is derived from the Old English word "widd", which means the state or quality of being wide.
When combined, "depletion width" refers to the region created in a semiconductor device, such as a diode or a transistor, where the concentration of charge carriers is significantly reduced or depleted. This depletion region exists due to the interaction between p-type and n-type semiconductor materials in these devices.
Therefore, the etymology of the term "depletion width" is a combination of Latin and Old English roots, reflecting the nature of the phenomenon it describes.
