Question

Zener breakdown occurs in a p − n junction having p and n both:

• A. lightly doped and have wide depletion layer
• B. heavily doped and have narrow depletion layer
• C. lightly doped and have narrow depletion layer
• D. heavily doped and have wide depletion layer

Hint:

Zener breakdown occurs in heavily doped p-n junctions with a narrow depletion layer due to the strong electric field created in the small region.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Zener breakdown occurs due to the strong electric field in the depletion region of the p-n junction. This occurs when the junction is heavily doped, which results in a narrow depletion region. 
Step 2: In heavily doped p-n junctions, the doping concentration is high, which causes a small width of the depletion region, allowing a strong electric field to form at a lower voltage, which leads to Zener breakdown. 
Step 3: Hence, the p and n regions must be heavily doped, and the depletion layer must be narrow for Zener breakdown to occur.