In reverse bias, the p-side is connected to the negative terminal and the n-side to the positive terminal of the battery. The applied voltage is in the same direction as the barrier potential, so the effective barrier becomes $V_0 + V$. The depletion layer widens. So reverse bias raises (increases) the potential barrier, and majority carriers cannot cross the junction. Only a very small reverse current due to minority carriers flows. This current is nearly independent of the applied voltage (it depends on temperature), so it is not increased by the reverse bias. So reverse bias raises the potential barrier.
ConceptEffect of reverse bias on barrier
Semiconductor Electronics: Materials, Devices and Simple Circuits in past papers
106 questions from this chapter have appeared across 24 exam years.
