Abstract
Computer calculations carried out for p‐n junctions justify the assumption that, to obtain a good approximation for the electric field and for the capacitance, the quasi‐Fermi potentials may be considered constant in the depletion region. Making use of this property an analytical method for the calculation of the electric field and of the capacitance is worked out. This method yields for asymmetrical junctions simple results for (1) the explanation of the peak in the electric field distribution near the metallurgical junction; (2) the calculation of the critical voltage at which the inversion layer disappears; (3) a new analytical formula for the capacitance and a simple formula for the calculation of the C−2 vs U intercept. The results of the analytical method completely agree with the results of exact computer calculations, and are in contradiction with earlier publications.