Final answer:
The avalanche effect is associated with an avalanche diode and is essential in the operation of solid-state radiation detectors and resonant-tunneling diodes. It allows for the amplification of current in response to high voltage, which is critical for the functioning of digital computers and fast electronic switches.
Step-by-step explanation:
The solid state device associated with the term 'avalanche effect' is typically a semiconductor device like a diode, for example, the avalanche diode. The avalanche effect occurs when a high voltage is applied across the diode in reverse bias, leading to a breakdown and a sudden increase in current. This is due to the acceleration of free carriers that, when they collide with the lattice, release additional carriers in a chain reaction, greatly amplifying the current. This principle is leveraged in solid-state radiation detectors, where semiconductors are constructed to conduct current in response to ionizing radiation, with the current flow being closely related to the energy deposited by the radiation.
Another example where the avalanche effect is utilized is in resonant-tunneling diodes used as super-fast nano-switches in electronic devices. This effect is crucial for allowing digital computers to efficiently process large amounts of information by accurately converting ionization from radiation into an electrical signal.