Accession Number:

AD0412811

Title:

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ON HIGH CURRENT TUNNEL DIODES.

Descriptive Note:

Interim development rept., 4 Jan-30 June 63.

Corporate Author:

RADIO CORP OF AMERICA SOMERVILLE N J

Personal Author(s):

Report Date:

1963-06-30

Pagination or Media Count:

15.0

Abstract:

Twenty 100-ampere peak current tunnel diodes were delivered to the Navy. Of these 12 units were germanium efficiencies from 44.5 to 53.8 percent and eight were gallium arsenide efficiencies from 52.2 to 63.5 percent. Difficulties were encountered with the crimping of the top lead of the diodes, necessitating the use of smaller than optimum wire leads. A new package design is pro posed which would eliminate such fabrication problems and provide better electrical and thermal performance in a smaller volume. Evaluation of the alloyed dot process showed that diodes with efficiencies comparable to those obtained with the solution regrowth technique can be fabricated. Further investigations into the effect of solu tion regrowth melt composition on tunnel diode efficiency led to diodes having 200-amperes peak current and 59 percent efficiencies. Further investigations are required to establish the reproducibility of these results. It has been found that a sampling process is required for selecting gallium arsenide crystal, if diodes with the highest possible efficiencies are to be obtained. It has also been found that the counterdopant dot composition is very critical in obtaining maximum efficiency. Author

Descriptors:

• *TUNNEL DIODES
• MANUFACTURING
• CONTAINERS
• GERMANIUM
• GALLIUM ALLOYS
• ARSENIC ALLOYS
• CRYSTAL GROWTH
• FIXED CONTACTS
• LIFE EXPECTANCY(SERVICE LIFE)
• TIN
• IMPURITIES

Subject Categories:

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE