Module I
LED (Light Emitting Diode)
An LED or a Light Emitting Diode is semiconductor device that emits light due to
Electroluminescence effect. An LED is basically a PN Junction Diode, which emits
light when forward biased.
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Basics of LED (Light Emitting Diode)
LED is a semiconductor light source. It consists of a
PN Junction Diode and when voltage is applied to the LED, electrons and holes
recombine in the PN Junction and release energy in the form of light (Photons).
The light emitted by an LED is usually monochromatic i.e. of single color and the
color is dependent on the energy band gap of the semiconductor
. When there forward bias in the p-n junction, the electron in n-type
semiconductor material cross the p-n junction and join with the holes in the p-
type semiconductor material. The free electrons would be at the higher energy
bands than holes
When this movement of free electron and hole takes place, there is a change in
the energy level as the voltage drops from the conduction band to the valance
band.
There is a release of energy due to the motion of the electron. In standard
diodes, the release of energy in the form of heat. But in LED the release of
energy in the form of photons that would emit the light energy. The entire
process is known as electroluminescence, and the diodes are known as a light-
emitting diode.
The separation of the bands called bandgap that determines the energy
of the photons that are emitted by the LED
The photon energy determines the wavelength of the emitted light, and hence
its color. Different semiconductor materials with different bandgaps produce
different colors of light. The precise wavelength (color) can be tuned by
changing the composition of the light-emitting, or active, region
Uses of LED
LEDs find application in various fields, including optical communication, alarm and
security systems, remote-controlled operations, robotics etc. It finds usage in
many such areas because of its long-lasting capability, low power requirements,
swift response time and fast switching capabilities. Below are a few standard
Main LED materials
Indium gallium nitride (InGaN): blue, green and ultraviolet high-brightness
LEDs
Aluminum gallium indium phosphide (AlGaInP): yellow, orange and red
high-brightness LEDs
Aluminum gallium arsenide (AlGaAs): red and infrared LEDs
Gallium phosphide (GaP): yellow and green LEDs
Advantages of LEDs:
1. Very low voltage and current are enough to drive the LED.
Voltage range – 1 to 2 volts. Current – 5 to 20 milliamperes.
2. Total power output will be less than 150 milliwatts.
3. The response time is very less – only about 10 nanoseconds.
4. The device does not need any heating and warm up time.
5. Miniature in size and hence lightweight.
6. Have a rugged construction and hence can withstand shock and
vibrations.
7. An LED has a lifespan of more than 20 years.
Disadvantages:
1. A slight excess of voltage or current can damage the device.
2. The device is known to have a much wider bandwidth compared to the
laser.
3. The temperature depends on the radiant output power and wavelength.
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