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==== Merging the P-type semiconductor and the N-type semiconductor ====
==== Merging the P-type semiconductor and the N-type semiconductor ====
Now that we understand the concept of P and N type semiconductors, the concept of holes and electrons. Let us go one step further to merge the P-type and N-type and understand how electric fields are created.
Now that we understand the concept of P and N type semiconductors, the concept of holes and electrons. Let us go one step further to merge the P-type and N-type and understand how electric fields are created.
−[[File:Diode PN junction.png|center|thumb]][[File:PV effect 1.png|thumb|alt=|left|1. Electrons of N-type start to fill holes of the P-type]]
+[[File:Diode PN junction.png|center|thumb]].[[File:PV effect 1.png|thumb|alt=|left|1. Electrons of N-type start to fill holes of the P-type]]
[[File:PV effect 2.png|thumb|2. Electrons continues to fill holes]]
[[File:PV effect 2.png|thumb|2. Electrons continues to fill holes]]
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When the n and p materials are in contact, free electrons in the n-type material adjacent to the many holes in the p-type material at the junction will jump into the p-type material, filling the holes. This charge transference process happens rapidly along the dividing line (junction), sending huge numbers of electrons to 'the p-type side and holes to the n-type side.
When the n and p materials are in contact, free electrons in the n-type material adjacent to the many holes in the p-type material at the junction will jump into the p-type material, filling the holes. This charge transference process happens rapidly along the dividing line (junction), sending huge numbers of electrons to 'the p-type side and holes to the n-type side.
[[File:PV effect 3.png|thumb|alt=|left|3. Potential barriers when all electrons have filled holes and are now electrically stable]]
[[File:PV effect 3.png|thumb|alt=|left|3. Potential barriers when all electrons have filled holes and are now electrically stable]]
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As the N-type material has lost electrons and the P-type has lost holes, the N-type material has become positive with respect to the P-type which has also turned negative.
As the N-type material has lost electrons and the P-type has lost holes, the N-type material has become positive with respect to the P-type which has also turned negative.