Keypoints
- Light will be converted to electrical energy by a pn
diode.
- Electric field in depletion region will seperate a
hole-electron pair.
- Short circuit and open circuit operation.
- Speed and sensitivity determined by depletion width
- Use intrinsic layer to pad out depletion region
- Can use high reverse bias to produce avalanch
amplification of the photon exicited carriers.
- Direct bandgap materials best.
Questions
- How can we detect light using a semiconductor?
- How does a photodiode work?
- How can avalanche behaviour enhance photodiode
operation?
- What sort of material is best for optical detection?