Shining Light on Solar Cells - Chapter 3.1: PN Junction Diode (Forward & Reverse Bias, IV Curve)

In this video, we will learn about the famous forward and reverse bias using a very intuitive method. Finally, we will show how the current-voltage (IV) curve of a pn junction looks like.

Forward bias and reverse bias? Sounds familiar? Confusing? Well, fret not. This video will get you covered. Remember Gandalf the Grey's infamous line "You shall not pass!". Well, that is exactly what PN Junctions do. They only allow current to pass in one direction.

Further reference materials that I highly recommend:

ECE Purdue Primer on Semiconductor Fundamentals

A. Kitai, in Principles of Solar Cells, LEDs and Diodes: The Role of the PN Junction, John Wiley & Sons, West Sussex, UK 2011

Other parts in this series:

• Chapter 1: Introduction
• Chapter 2.0: Semiconductor Physics (Band Diagram, Free Carriers)
  • Chapter 2.1: Semiconductor Physics (Doping)
  • Chapter 2.2: Semiconductor Physics (Fermi-Energy Level)
• Chapter 3.0: PN Junction diode (Drift and Diffusion)