Explain the working of a reverse biased p-n junction diode.

Explanation

Reverse Bias: When battery is connected across the junction such that p side is connected to the negative terminal and n side to the positive terminal, the p-n junction is said to be reverse baised. In this case the applied voltage adds to the effect of junction p.d and hence majority carriers cannot cross the junction. the current through the circuit is practically zero.
thus reverse bias offers a very high resistance but small current of the order of a few mA flows through the circuit due to the minority carriers in the p and n regions. As the applied voltage is gradually increased a very large current results at a particular this voltage is called the break down or cut-in voltage.