What Is a Tunnel Diode?
A tunnel diode is a type of diode that exploits the quantum tunneling effect.
Unlike conventional diodes, tunnel diodes enable extremely fast operation due to the phenomenon of tunneling, where current flows through a barrier. This unique characteristic makes tunnel diodes well-suited for applications requiring high-speed operation, such as microwave amplification, oscillation, and rapid switching.
The operating principle of a tunnel diode involves the creation of a heavily doped PN junction, resulting in a narrower depletion region compared to conventional diodes. This narrow barrier allows electrons to tunnel through the junction even in the absence of applied voltage, facilitating fast current flow. Tunnel diodes find wide application across various fields including microwave communication, radar systems, electronic instrumentation, medical devices, and scientific research, where both high speed and low power consumption are essential requirements.