Photo Diodes
Photo Diode
Basic photodiode theory of operation
Light energy can be considered in terms of photons or packets of light.
When a photon of sufficient energy enters the depletion region of a
semiconductor diode, it may strike an atom with sufficient energy to
release the electron from the atomic structure.
This creates a free electron and a hole (i.e. an atom with a space for an
electron). The electron is negatively charged, while the hole is
positively charged.
The electrons and holes may remain free, or other electrons may
combine with holes to form complete atoms again in the crystal lattice.
However it is possible that the electrons and holes may remain free
and be pulled away from the depletion region by an external field.
In this way the current through the diode will change and a
photocurrent is produced.
Types of Photodiode
The working of different types of photodiodes works in
a slightly different way, but the basic operation of these
diodes remains the same.
The types of photodiodes can be classified based on
their construction and functions as follows.
◦ PN Photodiode
◦ Schottky Photo Diode
◦ PIN Photodiode
◦ Avalanche Photodiode
PIN / PN photodiode operation
Operational Modes of Photodiode
Photodiode basically operates in two modes:
Photoconductive mode: When a certain reverse
potential is applied to the device then it behaves as a
photoconductive device. Here, an increase in depletion
width is seen with the corresponding change in reverse
voltage.
Photovoltaic mode: It is also known as zero-bias mode
because no external reverse potential is provided to the
device. However, the flow of minority carrier will take
place when the device is exposed to light.
PIN / PN photodiode operation
Photoconductive mode
The photodiode is operated under a moderate reverse bias. This keeps the
depletion layer free of any carriers and normally no current will flow.
However when a light photon enters the intrinsic region it can strike an atom in the
crystal lattice and dislodge an electron. In this way a hole-electron pair is
generated.
The hole and electron will then migrate in opposite directions under the action of
the electric field across the intrinsic region and a small current can be seen to flow.
It is found that the size of the current is proportional to the amount of light
entering the intrinsic region. The more light, the greater the numbers of hole
electron pairs that are generated and the greater the current flowing.
Operating diodes under reverse bias increases the sensitivity as it widens the
depletion layer where the photo action occurs.
In this way increasing the reverse bias has the effect of increasing the active area
of the photodiode and strengthens what may be termed as the photocurrent.
Photodiode operation
PIN / PN photodiode
operation
photovoltaic mode
It is also possible to operate photodiodes under zero bias conditions in what
is termed as a photovoltaic mode.
In zero bias, light falling on the diode causes a current across the device,
leading to forward bias which in turn induces "dark current" in the opposite
direction to the photocurrent.
This is called the photovoltaic effect, and is the basis for solar cells.
It is therefore possible to construct a solar cell using a large number of
individual photodiodes.
Also when photodiodes are used in a solar cell, the diodes are made larger so
that there is a larger active area, and they are able to handle higher currents.
For those used for data applications, speed is normally very important and the
diode junctions are smaller to reduce the effects of capacitance.
PIN / PN photodiode
operation
When not exposed to light the photo diode follows a
normal V-I characteristic expected of a diode.
In the reverse direction virtually no current flows, but in
the forward direction it steadily increases, especially
after the knee or turn on voltage is reached.
This is modified in the presence of light. When used as a
photo-diode it can be seen that the greatest effect is seen
in the reverse direction.
Here the largest changes are noticed, and the normal
forward current does not mask the effects due to the
light.
CHARACTERISTICS OF PHOTODIODE
CHARACTERISTICS OF PHOTODIODE
Here, the vertical line represents the reverse current
flowing through the device and the horizontal line
represents the reverse-biased potential.
The first curve represents the dark current that generates
due to minority carriers in the absence of light.
As we can see in the above figure that all the curve shows
almost equal spacing in between them. This is so because
current proportionally increases with the luminous flux.
It is noteworthy here that, the reverse current does not
show a significant increase with the increase in the
reverse potential.
Photo diode
Advantages of Photodiode
It shows a quick response when exposed to light.
Photodiode offers high operational speed.
It provides a linear response.
It is a low-cost device.
Disadvantages of Photodiode
It is a temperature-dependent device. And shows poor
temperature stability.
When low illumination is provided, then amplification
is necessary.
Applications of Photodiode
Photodiodes majorly find its use in counters and
switching circuits.
Photodiodes are extensively used in an optical
communication system.
Logic circuits and encoders also make use of
photodiode.
It is widely used in burglar alarm systems. In such
alarm systems, until exposure to radiation is not
interrupted, the current flows. As the light energy fails
to fall on the device, it sounds the alarm.
