Abstract :
The static reverse characteristics of an alloyed germanium p-n junction are analysed, taking into account an avalanche multiplication factor. The condition for thermal stability is examined, the onset of thermal runaway is related to a thermal turnover phenomenon, and the existence of a negative-resistance region is predicted. The existence of such thermal negative-resistance regions in germanium p-n junctions has been verified experimentally, and the results are analysed semi-quantitatively, showing fairly good agreement with the theory.
