Reverse current
If a diode is operated in reverse direction, a small reverse current still flows through it . The reverse current density of a silicon diode is 10 −11 A / cm 2 .
If the electrical voltage applied in the reverse direction ( reverse voltage ) exceeds the breakdown voltage , the reverse current increases dramatically, which in the case of standard rectifier diodes leads to their destruction. This effect is z. B. specifically exploited in Zener diodes .
swell
- ↑ Sapoval, Hermann; Physics of Semiconductors; 2003; P. 208