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Glite Dictionary
p-n junction

p-n junction

5.3
A boundary between two semiconductor parts that lets electric current flow one way
  • noun
  • /piː-ɛn ˈdʒʌŋkʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : unión p-n
  • By adjusting the materials used for the p-n junction, engineers can enhance the efficiency of solar panels.
  • p-n junction diode

Examples

  • Space-charge layers and an internal electric field form as a result of the diffusion of majority carriers near a p-n junction to the region of opposite conductivity.

    Academic text (1993)

  • The p-n junction is crucial for the functioning of modern electronic devices like diodes and transistors.

  • The p-n junction diode.

    Academic text (1993)

  • Although photovoltaic cells come in a variety of forms, the most common structure is a semiconductor material into which a large-area diode, or p-n junction, has been formed.

    Academic text (1993)

  • Basov was the first scientist in the world to propose the use of semiconductors as the active medium of lasers excited by a variety of methods, including injection across a p-n junction.

    Academic text (2002)

  • GRAPH: Current-voltage curves for a p-n junction diode in the absence of light and when illuminated. (Adapted from ref. 2; used by permission.)

    Academic text (1993)

  • The unique electrical properties of the p-n junction allow it to control the flow of current in electronic circuits.

Surface Forms

p-n junction singular
p-n junctions plural

Morphology

p-n + junction

The noun 'junction' clearly denotes a meeting or boundary, so a learner who recognises 'p' and 'n' as labels could infer this is the meeting of two differently labelled things (partial compositionality). However, 'p-n' is a technical abbreviation referring to semiconductor doping and the important electrical behaviour of the junction is domain-specific and not predictable from the surface constituents, so full understanding requires specialist knowledge.

Etymology

P-n junction is the border where a p-type part (with more 'positive' charge) meets an n-type part (with more 'negative' charge) in a semiconductor. At that border a tiny region acts like a little gate that lets electric current flow easily in 'one direction' but not the other, and that's why devices like diodes and LEDs work.