The depletion layer in PN junction diode is caused by
The depletion layer in a PN junction diode is caused by the diffusion of charge carriers. When a PN junction is formed, electrons from the N-region diffuse into the P-region and recombine with holes, and holes from the P-region diffuse into the N-region and recombine with electrons. This diffusion results in the creation of a region devoid of free charge carriers, known as the depletion layer.