A photo-sensitive diode is a type of semiconductor diode that is sensitive to light. When light strikes the diode, it creates an electrical current. The amount of current that is created depends on the intensity of the light. This makes photo-sensitive diodes useful for a variety of applications, such as photo detectors, light meters, and solar cells.
How does a photo-sensitive diode work?
A photo-sensitive diode is made of a semiconductor material, such as silicon or germanium. The semiconductor material is doped with impurities, which create a region of the diode that is more conductive than the rest of the material. This region is called the depletion region.
When light strikes the depletion region, it creates electron-hole pairs. The electrons are attracted to the positive terminal of the diode, and the holes are attracted to the negative terminal. This creates an electrical current that flows through the diode.
The amount of current that is created depends on the intensity of the light. The more intense the light, the more electron-hole pairs are created, and the greater the current.
Applications of photo-sensitive diodes
Photo-sensitive diodes are used in a variety of applications, including:
* Photo detectors: Photo-sensitive diodes can be used to detect the presence of light. This can be used for applications such as security systems and motion detectors.
* Light meters: Photo-sensitive diodes can be used to measure the intensity of light. This can be used for applications such as photography and lighting control.
* Solar cells: Photo-sensitive diodes can be used to convert light into electricity. This is the basic principle behind solar power.
Photo-sensitive diodes are an important component in a variety of electronic devices. They are used to detect the presence of light, measure the intensity of light, and convert light into electricity.