Question
Explain, with the help of a circuit diagram, how the thickness of depletion layer in a p-n junction diode changes when it is forward biased. In the following circuit which one of the two diodes is forward biased and which is reverse biased?
Solution
(i) In this case, the p-side of the diode is at -10 V, whereas the n-side is at 0 V.
Here, Vp < VN, therefore, the diode is reverse biased.
(ii) In this case, the p-side of the diode is at 0 V, whereas the n-side is at -10 V.
Thus, Vp > VN, hence, the diode is forward biased.
When applied voltage is such that n-side is connected to the negative terminal of the battery and p-side is connected to positive terminal, the applied voltage is opposite to the barrier potential. Hence, the effective barrier potential becomes VB-V, and the energy barrier across the junction decreases. Thus, the junction width decreases. 
