Electron Current/movement in P-N junction under forward bias

[MaestroBach]

TL;DR Summary

I've been studying p-n junctions and have noticed that I seem to be not understanding something pretty fundamental regarding holes and electrons in both circuits and in p-n junctions.

For context, I have very little background knowledge of circuits.

I'm reading about P-N junctions under forward and reverse bias, and I'm having a bit of trouble visualizing what's happening where the P side of the junction meets the circuit under forward bias.

From what I understand, at the very end of the P side of the junction, there is only hole current and the electron current goes to 0. But given that for the circuit to actually work, electrons have to flow towards the + side of the applied voltage, wouldn't there need to be a flow of electrons out of the P side of the junction? How would that happen when the electron current inside the diode at the far end of the P side is 0?

Please let me know if I"m being unclear with what I'm trying to ask. Thanks!

 

[SredniVashtar]

In order to connect the semiconductor to the copper conductor you need to form a non rectifying Schottky junction. IIRC these junctions are also responsible for the disappearance of the builtin voltage outside the diode (you can't measure it with a voltmeter attached to a non powered diode).

 

[MaestroBach]

In order to connect the semiconductor to the copper conductor you need to form a non rectifying Schottky junction. IIRC these junctions are also responsible for the disappearance of the builtin voltage outside the diode (you can't measure it with a voltmeter attached to a non powered diode).

Ah, would these also be called the "contacts"?

 

[DaveE]

Ah, would these also be called the "contacts"?

Yes.