Theory of superfast fronts of impact ionization in semiconductor structures

We present an analytical theory for impact ionization fronts in reversely biased p+-n-n+ structures. The front propagates into a depleted n base with a velocity that exceeds the saturated drift velocity. The front passage generates a dense electron-hole plasma and in this way switches the structure from low to high conductivity. For a planar front we determine the concentration of the generated plasma, the maximum electric field, the front width, and the voltage over the n base as functions of front velocity and doping of the n base. The theory takes into account that drift velocities and impact ionization coefficients differ between electrons and holes, and it makes quantitative predictions for any semiconductor material possible. © 2007 American Institute of Physics. DOI: 10.1063/1.2767378