2. Schottky diodes

2.1 Typical structure

Schottky diodes use the rectifying properties of the metal-semiconductor contacts of the same name. Unlike ohmic contacts, these are made with a choice of materials such that a depopulated space charge is established in the semiconductor, in the vicinity of the contact (cf. , § 2.2).

For power diodes, couples made of moderately doped N-type silicon (from a few 10 ¹⁴ to a few 10 ¹⁵ cm ^-3 depending on the blocking voltage targeted) and metals or alloys with high work function (platinum, molybdenum, tungsten, platinum-nickel..) determine, after heat treatment (formation of silicides),...