Photodiodes

The photodiode is a p-n junction under reverse bias. Exposing a semiconductor to light can generate electron-hole pairs, which increases the number of free carriers and its conductivity. Only those that have correct wavelength can be absorbed by the semiconductor. Separation of charge can be collected and measured as current or voltage. If device is left open circuit voltage detected photovoltaic effect If device is short-circuited (or under reverse bias) photoconductive mode

Photodetectors

When a photon/light strikes a semiconductor, it can promote an electron from the valence band to the conduction band creating an electron-hole (e-h) pair. The concentration of these e-h pairs is dependent on the amount of light striking the semiconductor, making the semiconductor suitable as an optical detector. There are two ways to monitor the concentration of e-h pairs:

In photodiodes, a voltage bias is present and the concentration of light-induced e-h pairs determines the current through semiconductor. Photovoltaic detectors contain a p-n junction, that causes the e-h pairs to separate to produce a voltage that can be measured.

characteristic for a p-n junction diode in the presence of a light flux.

Photo Diodes (PDs)

A photodiode is a semiconductor diode that functions as a photodetector. It is a p-n junction or p-i-n structure. When a photon of sufficient energy strikes the diode, it excites an electron thereby creating a mobile electron and a positively charged electron hole

Operation Principle of a PD

PDs Detection Range and Materials

Material
Silicon (Si) Germanium (Ge) Indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) Lead sulfide (PbS)

Wavelength range (nm)

1901100 4001700 8002600

<1000-3500

Solar Cell/Photovoltaic Device

Photovoltaic devices or solar cells are semiconductor p-n junction that can convert solar radiation into electrical energy.

Diagram of a PV cell.

Photovoltaic cells, modules, panels and arrays.

Major photovoltaic system components.

Converting Sunlight to Electricity

A typical PV cell consists of semiconductor p-n junction. Sunlight striking the cell raises the energy level of electrons and frees them from their atomic shells. The electric field at the p-n junction drives the electrons into the n region while positive charges are driven to the p region. A metal grid on the surface of the cell collects the electrons while a metal back-plate collects the positive charges.

Converting Sunlight to Electricity

Solar Cells

Vision of Solar Cells (Photovoltaics)

Why solar cells?
Solar Energy
Free Essentially Unlimited Not Localized

Solar Cells
Direct Conversion of Sunlight Electricity
No Pollution No Release of Greenhouse-effect Gases No Waste or Heat Disposal Problems No Noise Pollution very few or no moving parts No transmission losses on-Site Installation

Operation Principle of Solar Cells

Residential and Commercial Applications

Challenges: cost reduction via: a) economy of scales b) building integration and c) high efficiency cells

14

Laser

For atomic systems in thermal equilibrium, emission of light is the result of two main processes:

ABSORPTION of energy SPONTANEOUS EMISSION of energy (a random photon is emitted)

A third mechanism is crucial to the formation of LASER action, which is STIMULATED EMISSION.

Light Amplification of Stimulated Emission Radiation

Laser

Basic optical transitions

Diode Laser
Diode lasers have been used for cutting, surgery, communication (optical fibre), CD writing and reading etc

The power-current curve of a laser diode. Below threshold, the diode is an LED. Above threshold, the population is inverted and the light output increases rapidly

Boltzmann distribution vs Population inversion

How to create a population inversion?

Laser