On the Non-Isothermal Diffusion Theory of Rectifiers

Abstract

The general non-isothermal diffusion theory of rectifiers has been derived by using the non-isothermal diffusion equation deduced from the formal theory of conduction. The rectification equation obtained depends clearly upon temperature distribution in a barrier. If a temperature difference exists between the both ends of the barrier, then the appearance of thermoelectromotive force is predicted from the present theory. Taking into account the non-isothermal property of the barrier, the present theory shows the tendency that the values of the dielectric constants of barrier materials for Cu₂O and Se rectifiers determined from the capacitance-voltage characteristics seem to approach those of the bulk materials of Cu₂O and Se, respectively.