Some aspects of the p-n junction second-breakdown mode

An analysis is presented of the p-n junction second-breakdown mode. Using the relationships between the potential and the temperature within a current constriction, explicit equations are derived for the second-breakdown terminal voltage, for both low- and high-power devices. An assessment of the constriction size is given, and some generality incorporated into the analysis by the introduction of ellipticity factors. Finally, a theory is developed which permits the approximate determination of mesoplasma-activation energy.