Zener diode is used in reverse bias. When its reverse bias is increased, how does the thickness of the depletion layer change?
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Explanation:
When a Zener diode is reverse biased, the depletion layer becomes wider. If this reverse biased voltage across the diode is increased continually, the depletion layer becomes more and more wider. At the same time, there will be a constant reverse saturation current due to minority carriers.
The thickness of the depletion layer of zener diode when reverse biased widens and as the reverse bias is increased more, the depletion layer is widened more.
1) The widening of the depletion layer due to increase in the reverse voltage across the diode leads to reduction of the majority carrier current.
2) However, there is increase in the minority carrier current.
3) This minority carrier current in the zener diode is called the reverse current or reverse saturation current.
4) There is a limit till which the depletion layer can be widened with increase in reverse voltage and if the limit is crossed then a small increase in the voltage would lead to rapid increase of the electric current.