At 02:41 PM 12/03/2010, you wrote:

>On Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:35:12 -0600, "Mark E. Skeels" said:
> > Sheesh.
> >
> > How can that work?
>
>The reverse B-E junction produces light, which illuminates the B-C
>junction which acts like a photocell.
>
>I've tried it on TO-18 case transistors with the metal case cut open,
>and you can see the light!

Forgot to mention, you should probably toss the transistor after trying
this, because zener-ing the B-E junction tends to degrade beta,
more-or-less permanently.

Best regards,

Spehro Pefhany --"it's the network..."            "The Journey is the reward"
speff@interlog.com             Info for manufacturers: http://www.trexon.com
Embedded software/hardware/analog  Info for designers:  http://www.speff.com



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