A photodiode is a semiconductor device that converts light into electrical
current. It consists of a p-n junction that is sensitive to light. When light is
incident on the p-n junction, electron-hole pairs are generated, which are
separated by the built-in electric field of the diode, resulting in a flow of
electrical current. The amount of current produced is directly
proportional to the intensity of light falling on the diode.
A phototransistor is a type of transistor that is sensitive to light. It consists of
a base, collector, and emitter, just like a regular transistor. However, instead
of a direct base current controlling the collector current, the collector
current is controlled by the amount of light falling on the base region of
the transistor. When light falls on the base, it causes an increase in the
number of free electrons in the base region, which in turn causes an
increase in the collector current.
The main difference between a photodiode and a phototransistor is that the
photodiode produces a current directly proportional to the incident light, while
the phototransistor produces a current that is dependent on both the incident
light and the characteristics of the transistor. Phototransistors have higher
sensitivity than photodiodes, but also have a slower response time.
Both photodiodes and phototransistors are commonly used in electronic
devices for light sensing and detection, such as in cameras, sensors, and
optical communication systems.
Photo Transistor is a three terminal semiconductor device which converts the
incident light into
photocurrent. Light is
incident on the base
terminal and it is
converted into current
which flows through
emitter and collector. It
is the combination of
photo diode and
transistor an amplifier.
The current produced by
the photo diode is low, so
it is sent through the
transistor and amplified.
Symbol of Photo Transistor:
The symbol of Photo Transistor is similar to the transistor. The arrows shows
the light incident on the base terminal.
Construction of Photo Transistor
When compared to normal transistor, in
photo transistor the base and collector
area is large. The base area is increased to
increase the amount of current generated.
Because more the light falls more the
current is generated. Earlier it was made
up of single semiconductor material like
silicon or germanium. Recently photo
transistors are made up of Gallium and
Arsenic to obtain higher efficiency. Finally
photo transistor is placed inside a metallic
case and a lens is kept at the top of the
case to absorb the incident radiation.
Working of Photo Transistor:
From the above circuit we can know that base is not connected to any external
bias and only light is incident on the base terminal. Collector terminal is
connected to the positive side of external supply and output is taken from the
emitter terminal.
When no light is incident on the base terminal only some leakage current
flows and it is called as dark current. When light is incident on the lens at the
base collector junction, base current is generated which is proportional to the
intensity of the incident light.
Characteristics of Photo Transistor:
From the above figure we can observe
how the collector current varies with the
intensity of the incident light. The
collector current increases with the
intensity of the incident light. Collector
current differs with the wavelength and
the intensity of the light.
Advantages:
Efficiency is high
Faster response
Less noise interference
Low cost
Small in size
Disadvantages:
Poor performance at high frequency
Slower than photodiode
Applications:
Used in Counting systems
Used in Optical tape reader
Used to detect Object
Used in printers
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 following image shows the symbol of the photodiode:
Photodiode Working
A photodiode is subjected to photons in the form of light which affects the
generation of electron-hole pairs. If the energy of the falling photons (hv) is
greater than the energy gap (Eg) of the semiconductor material, electron-hole
pairs are created near the depletion region of the diode. The electron-hole
pairs created are separated from each other before recombining due to the
electric field of the junction. The direction of the electric field in the diode
forces the electrons to move towards the n-side and consequently the holes
move towards the p-side. As a result of the increase in the number of electrons
on the n-side and holes on the p-side, a rise in the electromotive force is
observed. Now when an external load is connected to the system, a current
flow is observed through it.
The more the electromotive force created, the greater the current flow. The
magnitude of the electromotive force created depends directly upon the
intensity of the incident light. This effect of the proportional change in
photocurrent with the change in light intensity can be easily observed by
applying a reverse bias.
Since photodiodes generate current flow directly depending upon the light
intensity received, they can be used as photodetectors to detect optical
signals. Built-in lenses and optical filters may be used to enhance the power
and productivity of a photodiode.
Applications of Photodiode
Photodiodes with the help of optocouplers provide electric isolation.
When two isolated circuits are illuminated by light, optocouplers are
used to couple the circuit optically. Optocouplers are faster compared to
conventional devices.
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.
