Patent ID: 8265582
Filing Date: 2012-09-11
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A semiconductor device comprising: a p-type semiconductor layer and an n-type semiconductor layer that are coupled by sandwiching a depletion layer with a thickness that allows transmission of a plurality of electrons by direct tunneling, wherein a forbidden band of the n-type semiconductor layer and a forbidden band of the p-type semiconductor layer partially overlap under a state in which a flat band voltage that makes energy bands of the n-type semiconductor layer and the p-type semiconductor layer flat is applied between the n-type semiconductor layer and the p-type semiconductor layer; and an energy level of a plurality of electrons at an upper end of a valence band of the p-type semiconductor layer is equal to or higher than an energy level of a plurality of electrons at a lower end of a conduction band of the n-type semiconductor layer in a region that is further away from the depletion layer than a bending portion of an energy band which is contiguous with the depletion layer under an equilibrium state without any voltage being applied.