Photodiode
A photodiode is a PN-junction diode that consumes light energy to produce an electric
current. They are also called a photo-detector, a light detector, and a photo-sensor.
Photodiodes are designed to work in reverse bias condition. Typical photodiode
materials are Silicon, Germanium and Indium gallium arsenide.
Symbol of Photodiode
The symbol of the photodiode is similar to that of an LED, but here the arrow points inwards.
Working of a Photodiode
Generally, when a light is made to illuminate the PN junction, covalent bonds are ionized. This generates hole
and electron pairs. Photocurrents are produced due to generation of electron-hole pairs. Electron hole pairs
are formed when photons of energy more than 1.1eV hits the diode. When the photon enters the depletion
region of diode, it hits the atom with high energy. This results in release of electron from atom structure. After
the electron release, free electrons and hole are produced.
In general, an electron will have a negative charge and holes will have a positive charge. The depletion
energy will have built-in electric field. Due to that electric field, electron-hole pairs move away from the
junction. Hence, holes move to anode and electrons move to the cathode to produce photocurrent.
The photon absorption intensity and photon energy are directly proportional to each other. When energy of
photos is less, the absorption will be more. This entire process is known as Inner Photoelectric Effect.
V-I Characteristics of Photodiode
Photodiode operates in reverse bias condition. Reverse voltages are plotted along X axis in volts and reverse current
are plotted along Y-axis in microampere. Reverse current does not depend on reverse voltage. When there is no light
illumination, reverse current will be almost zero. The minimum amount of current present is called as Dark Current.
Once when the light illumination increases, reverse current also increases linearly.
Applications of Photodiode
•Photodiodes are used in safety electronics such as fire and smoke detectors.
•Photodiodes are used in numerous medical applications. They are used in instruments that analyze samples,
detectors for computed tomography and also used in blood gas monitors.
•Photodiodes are used in solar cell panels.
•Photodiodes are used in logic circuits.
•Photodiodes are used in the detection circuits.
•Photodiodes are used in character recognition circuits.
•Photodiodes are used for the exact measurement of the intensity of light in science and industry.
•Photodiodes are faster and more complex than normal PN junction diodes and hence are frequently used for
lighting regulation and optical communication.