Learning objective
Explain thermionic emission and the laws that describe it.
Analyse the current–voltage characteristic of a vacuum diode (3/2 law, saturation current).
Explain the mechanism of intrinsic and extrinsic conductivity of semiconductors using band theory.
Study the structure of the p–n junction and the rectifying property of the semiconductor diode.
Expected outcomes
Can calculate the saturation current density and its temperature dependence from the Richardson–Dushman formula.
Can find the anode current of a vacuum diode using the 3/2 law.
Can calculate the conductivity of a semiconductor from carrier concentrations and mobilities.
Can find the forward current and the differential resistance from the diode equation.
Activities
Lecture
Lecture · 1 h 20 min ·
required
Solving problems on electric current in vacuum and semiconductors
Practice · 1 h 20 min ·
required
Study of the current–voltage characteristic of a semiconductor diode
Laboratory · 1 h 20 min ·
optional
Final test
Test · 20 min ·
required
· pass ≥ 70%
Completion conditions
- Lecture
- Solving problems on electric current in vacuum and semiconductors
- Final test — at least 70%