varactorn.
/vəˈraktə/, U.S. /ˈvɛˌræktər/ Electronics.
A reverse-biased p-n junction whose capacitance depends on the bias voltage in a definite way. Also called varactor diode.
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the world > matter > physics > solid state physics > semiconductivity > [noun] > transition zone
junction1949
p–n junction1949
unijunction1957
varactor1959
heterojunction1960
homojunction1960
varicap1967
semiconductor junction1975
1959 Pfann & Garrett in Proc. IRE 47 2011/1 (heading) Semiconductor varactors using surface space-charge layers.
1965 Wireless World July 62 (advt.) Elimination of manual tuning by a unique self-tuning system (using servo controlled varactor diodes).
1975 Physics Bull. Sept. 401/1 Varactor diodes are extensively used in voltage-variable tuning applications, such as in modern solid-state radio and television circuits.
1979 A. Bar-Lev Semiconductors & Electronic Devices xvii. 325 Varactors are also used for frequency multiplication or harmonic power generation in the microwave range.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1986; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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n.1959