What is a typical application of a hot-carrier diode?

A hot-carrier diode is primarily utilized in radio frequency applications, specifically in mixing and detection processes. These diodes leverage the "hot" carriers—electrons and holes that have gained energy beyond the thermal energy level—due to the applied electric field. This characteristic makes them particularly effective in VHF (Very High Frequency) and UHF (Ultra High Frequency) ranges, where they can convert radio frequency signals into lower-frequency signals suitable for demodulation or further amplification.

In mixers, hot-carrier diodes can efficiently combine two different frequencies to create new frequencies, which is a critical function in RF communication systems. Detectors also benefit from the diode's fast response time and ability to operate effectively at high frequencies, allowing for precise signal demodulation. Such capabilities position hot-carrier diodes as a go-to component for achieving high performance in RF applications, validating the selection as the most suitable choice for typical applications involving mixers and detectors in VHF and UHF bands.