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III. Long Answer Questions · Q6

Q.Write notes on Photodiode.

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Step 1 (Definition). A photodiode is a p-n junction diode that converts an optical signal into an electrical signal -- its operation is exactly the inverse of an LED's, and unlike the LED it is operated in REVERSE bias.

Step 2 (Structure). It is a p-n junction of photosensitive material housed in a plastic case with a small transparent window that lets incident light reach the junction; its circuit symbol shows arrows pointing TOWARDS the device (light going in), the mirror image of the LED's symbol.

Step 3 (Operation). When a photon of sufficient energy hνh\nu strikes the depletion region, it elevates a valence electron into the conduction band, creating an electron-hole pair (exactly like thermal generation, but driven by light).

Step 4. The reverse-bias electric field sweeps these newly created carriers across the junction (holes towards the n-side, electrons towards the p-side) before they can recombine, and completing an external circuit turns this into a measurable photocurrent, proportional to the incident light intensity -- which is why photodiodes are used as light sensors. …

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