fotodiodiga

A fotodioodi is a semiconductor device that converts light into an electrical current. It is essentially a p-n junction diode that is designed to be sensitive to light. When photons with sufficient energy strike the depletion region of the diode, they can excite electrons, creating electron-hole pairs. These charge carriers are then swept apart by the electric field present in the depletion region, resulting in a current flow. The magnitude of this current is directly proportional to the intensity of the incident light.

Fotodiodes are typically operated in photovoltaic mode, where they generate a small voltage when illuminated, or in photoconductive mode, where a reverse bias voltage is applied to increase their speed and sensitivity. In photoconductive mode, the dark current (current flowing when no light is present) is a crucial parameter, and it is desirable to minimize it.

These devices find widespread application in various fields. They are used in light sensors for automatic lighting controls, in optical communication systems to detect optical signals, in medical imaging devices, and in consumer electronics like remote controls and cameras. Their ability to detect and measure light makes them fundamental components in numerous optoelectronic systems. The spectral response of a fotodioodi can be tailored by the choice of semiconductor material used in its construction, allowing for detection across different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, from infrared to ultraviolet.