Avalanche Breakdown

Avalanche breakdown is a phenomenon that occurs in semiconductors when a high electric field induces a chain reaction of electron collisions. In simple terms, when electricity flows through a material, if the electric field becomes strong enough, it can cause electrons to knock other electrons loose. This creates more free electrons, which can lead to a sudden increase in current, much like an avalanche gaining momentum. This process can damage the material if not controlled, making it important in electronic devices where excess current must be managed to avoid failure.