A homojunction PN junction. The band at the interface is continuous. In forward bias mode, the depletion width decreases. Both p and n junctions are doped at a 1e15/cm3 doping level, leading to built-in potential of ~0.59 V. Observe the different Quasi Fermi levels for conduction band and valence band in n and p regions (red curves).

A homojunction is a semiconductor interface that occurs between layers of similar semiconductor material;[1] these materials have equal band gaps but typically have different doping. In most practical cases a homojunction occurs at the interface between an n-type (donor doped) and p-type (acceptor doped) semiconductor such as silicon, this is called a p–n junction.

This is not a necessary condition as the only requirement is that the same semiconductor (same band gap) is found on both sides of the junction, in contrast to a heterojunction. An n-type to n-type junction, for example, would be considered a homojunction even if the doping levels are different.

The different doping level will cause band bending, and a depletion region will be formed at the interface, as shown in the figure to the right.

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Yang 1978, p. 141.

References

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