photodiodes

Optical semiconductor devices

Photodiodes are semiconductor devices that convert light into electrical current.

When photons strike the diode's light-sensitive surface, they generate a flow of electrons proportional to the light intensity.

Photodiodes appear in light meters, optical communication systems, solar panels, and camera sensors—anywhere light needs to be measured or translated into an electrical signal.

detection

light sensor

Device detecting luminosity

photosensitiveResponsive to radiant energy
infraredHeat-bearing electromagnetic waves
ultravioletWavelengths shorter than violet

photometry · irradiance · luminosity · exposure · brightness · ambient light · phototransistor · photoreceptor · transduction · responsivity

applications

optical fiber

Light-transmitting glass thread

solar cellLight-to-current converter
barcode scannerDevice reading printed stripes
smoke detectorCombustion particle sensor

camera sensor · pulse oximeter · remote control · spectroscopy · medical imaging · light meter · proximity sensor · optical mouse · CD player · laser rangefinder

semiconductor

silicon

Metalloid in electronics

germaniumAtomic number thirty-two
dopingProhibited athletic drug use
electronNegative subatomic particle

hole · avalanche · wafer

photodiodes

light sensor

optical fiber

silicon

photodiodes

Opposites

Categories

Family