Avalanche Breakdown

reverse-biased p-n junction · impact ionization · valence e⁻ promoted across Eg
n-region ← depletion region → p-region

Legend

Hot electron
(conduction band)
Hot hole
(valence band)
Newly generated
electron (pair)
Newly generated
hole (pair)
▶ electrons drift → right (Ec)
◀ holes drift → left (Ev)
↑ impact: e⁻ jumps Ev → Ec
⚡ crossing Eg creates e⁻/h⁺
∞ chain multiplication