How the reverse current suddenly increases at the breakdown voltage ? Explain.
Physics
Class 12
779
Dashboard
At V = Vz, electric field is high enough (106 V/m) to pull valence electrons from the host atoms on the p-side which are accelerated to n-side. These electrons account for high current observed at the breakdown. The emission of electrons from the host atoms due to the high electric field is known as internal field emission or field ionization. The breakdown of diode due to internal field emission is called Zener breakdown