Gunn effect

E708821

The Gunn effect is an electronic phenomenon in certain semiconductors where negative differential resistance leads to high-frequency oscillations and microwave generation under strong electric fields.

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Statements (46)

Predicate Object
instanceOf electronic phenomenon
transport phenomenon in semiconductors
belongsToField semiconductor device physics
solid-state physics
causes formation of high-field domains
propagating charge domains
hasApplication electronic oscillators for communication systems
frequency generation without resonant circuits
laboratory microwave instrumentation
solid-state microwave sources
hasConsequence domain transit-time oscillations
spatially inhomogeneous electric field distribution
hasDiscoverer J. B. Gunn NERFINISHED
hasDiscoveryYear 1963
hasFrequencyRange microwave frequencies
hasKeyParameter electron drift velocity-field characteristic
threshold electric field
hasTypicalFrequencyRange from a few GHz to tens of GHz
isBasedOn intervalley electron transfer
transfer of electrons to higher-energy satellite valleys
isDifferentFrom avalanche breakdown
tunnel diode negative resistance
isExplainedBy negative slope region of velocity–field curve
isModeledBy Ridley–Watkins–Hilsum theory NERFINISHED
isNamedAfter J. B. Gunn NERFINISHED
isObservedUnder constant voltage bias
proper sample length and contact configuration
isUtilizedIn Gunn diodes NERFINISHED
local oscillators in receivers
microwave oscillators
microwave signal generators
radar speed guns
leadsTo current oscillations
voltage oscillations
occursIn certain compound semiconductors
gallium arsenide (GaAs) NERFINISHED
indium phosphide (InP)
other III-V semiconductors
occursInDeviceRegion bulk of the semiconductor
requiresBias dc bias above threshold field
requiresCondition strong electric field
requiresMaterialProperty multi-valley conduction band
suitable intervalley energy separation
requiresProperty negative differential resistance
resultsIn high-frequency oscillations
microwave generation

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Esaki–Tsu relation relatedTo Gunn effect