Homojunction

A homojunction is a semiconductor interface that occurs between layers of similar semiconductor material; 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.

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).

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

• Transistor
• p–n junction
• Band bending
• Doping (semiconductor)

References

• Yang, Edward S (1978). Fundamentals of semiconductor devices. McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0070722366