In the depletion layer, the electric field created

Options

A. is from n-side to p-side
B. is from p-side to n-side
C. changes randomly
D. depends on the biasing

Answer

To solve the question regarding the direction of the electric field in the depletion layer of a semiconductor junction, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Structure of the Semiconductor Junction**:
- A semiconductor junction typically consists of a p-type region (rich in holes) and an n-type region (rich in electrons).
- When these two regions are brought together, they form a junction.

2. **Formation of the Depletion Layer**:
- At the junction, electrons from the n-side will diffuse into the p-side and recombine with holes, while holes from the p-side will diffuse into the n-side and recombine with electrons.
- This movement of charge carriers leads to a region around the junction where there are no free charge carriers, known as the depletion layer.

3. **Charge Distribution in the Depletion Layer**:
- As electrons leave the n-side, it becomes positively charged due to the presence of unbalanced donor ions.
- Similarly, as holes leave the p-side, it becomes negatively charged due to the presence of unbalanced acceptor ions.

4. **Direction of the Electric Field**:
- The electric field in a semiconductor is defined as the direction in which a positive test charge would move.
- Since the n-side becomes positively charged and the p-side becomes negatively charged, the electric field will point from the n-side to the p-side.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the electric field in the depletion layer is directed from the n-side to the p-side.

### Final Answer:
The electric field in the depletion layer is directed from the n-side to the p-side.